Beginning Genealogy - Definitions of Terms
Ahnentafel, GEDCOM, Née, Patronymics, Collateral Lines
Ever wonder about unusual genealogy words and phrases? They crop up over and over again in research, and understanding them can clarify research or even spark new ideas.
What is GEDCOM?
GEDCOM stands for Genealogical Data Communications. Years ago, one computer genealogy program couldn't read another program's data. Genealogists could only share computerized information with people who had the same program. Then the LDS Church, known for its commitment to family history, developed the GEDCOM standard. A software program could export a file in GEDCOM format, which could then be imported into a different program.
Most genealogy software today supports GEDCOM imports and exports, and family history files can be shared no matter what program an individual uses.
What is Ahnentafel?
Ahnentafel is a methodical numbering system, from a German word meaning "ancestor table." Picture a pedigree chart, visually divide it into columns, and number each person one column at a time. The starting person is #1, the father is #2, the mother is #3. The father's parents are #4 & #5, the mother's parents are #6 & #7, etc.
The Ahnentafel numbers are very systematic: all men are even numbers, all women are odd numbers. A father's number is double that of his child, and a mother's number is double-plus-one. With this information, ancestors be organized and listed without the need for a chart. (Click the illustration below to enlarge it.)
What is Née?
Née means "born" in French, specifically for a female. It is used to denote a woman's maiden name, i.e. Mary Johnson née Smith. Most genealogists today refer to a female ancestor by her maiden name, but sometimes write it as a middle name, i.e. Mary Smith Johnson. In older documents, but also occasionally modern ones, née is used. It is also often written "nee" without the accent mark.
What is Patronymics?
Patronymics is the system of a child's surname being based on the father's given name, and was used particularly in Scandinavian countries. This results in the difficult genealogy situation of a surname changing with each generation.
For example, Jens Larsen's son would be called Hans Jensen. Hans Jensen's son would be Peder Hansen, whose son would be Nils Pedersen. The female version is "datter" or "dotter," but genealogists will find girls with "sen/son" names as well.
What are Collateral Lines?
Collateral lines are relatives who are not in the direct ancestral line. Direct ancestors show up in a pedigree chart; siblings, in-laws, and their children do not. Researching these aunts, uncles and cousins may seem like frivolous time spent, but can break down brick walls if information is found that leads to insights on direct lines.
Understanding common genealogy terms can be crucial for understanding the research being done. For more basic terms, such as pedigree, vital records, and primary sources, read Basic Genealogy Terms. If there are other terms unfamiliar to you, please leave a comment below and we'll get an answer back to you.
Genealogy Definitions
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Ahnentafel Numbering
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