How do I edit a linked surname in historical records?

Before you start

Editing options vary among the record collections on FamilySearch. Determine whether the record you want to edit allows full editing.

Start from a record details page (the page showing the indexed data), in Explore Historical Images, open the image index:
- If you are viewing a list of search results, click the icon that looks like a sheet of lined paper.
- From an image on Explore Historical Images, click the Image Index heading.
- From a record image (not on Explore Historical Images), below the image, find the image index. Find the name in the index. To the left of the entry, click the icon that looks like a sheet of lined paper.
At the top of the record details page, click Edit.
- If you cannot edit the record, Edit is grayed out.
- You could see a pop-up box with buttons for edits. If you see the pop-up box, editing is limited. Use How do I correct transcription errors in partially-editable historical record collections?
- Website or mobile app on a device such as a tablet: You see a new screen with the image of the record on the left and a transcription panel on the right. The record is fully editable. Continue with the steps.
- Mobile app on a smart-phone: You see a new screen with the image of the record and a transcription panel below the image. The record is fully editable. Continue with the steps.

Click the pencil icon next to Essential Information.
In the Surname field, look for a message that the information is connected to many names. Click the pencil icon to the right of the surname.
Edit the surname.
If the highlight is wrong, click Edit Highlight, and correct the highlight.
Click Next.
Review the list of names that are linked to the surname. To change the surname for the other names, click the boxes.
At the bottom of Edit Linked Surname, click Save.
At the bottom of Essential Information, click Save again. Or, to undo your change, click Cancel.