Soundex

Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee

Soundex is a phonetic algorithm designed to index names based on their pronunciation in English.

Developed to address variations in spelling, it simplifies the search for names in historical records.

Below is an authoritative guide on how to effectively utilize Soundex in your genealogical research.

Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

Soundex converts a surname into a 4-character code, consisting of a letter followed by three numbers:

Special Rules:

Ignore: A, E, I, O, U, H, W, Y
Consecutive Letters: Letters with the same code that appear consecutively (including the first letter) are only represented once.
Exceptions: If a name has fewer than three numbers after the initial letter, zeros are added until there are three digits.

Let's break down how to convert a surname to its Soundex code.

Start with the first letter: "S"
Ignore vowels and certain consonants: "m", "t", "h" are considered, but "i" is ignored.
Convert to numbers:
- S → 2
- M → 5
- T → 3
Construct the Soundex code: Combine the first letter and the numbers: S530
Result: The Soundex code for "Smith" is S530.

Many genealogical databases allow you to search using Soundex codes. Here’s how to use them:

Locate the Soundex search option: When searching for a name in the database, look for an option labeled "Soundex" or "Phonetic Search."
Enter the surname: You can either enter the surname or the Soundex code. The database will return results that match the Soundex code of the surname you entered.
Review the results: Examine the list of names, which may include various spellings that sound similar to your target surname.

Alternative spellings: Soundex is especially useful when searching for ancestors whose names have multiple spellings or have been misspelled in records.
Limitations: While Soundex helps with phonetic matches, it may not capture all possible variations or subtle differences in pronunciation, especially with non-English names.
International use: Soundex is primarily designed for English pronunciation. For names in other languages, consider using country-specific phonetic algorithms or search techniques.