The FamilySearch Catalog now uses the same standardized place-names used in Family Tree, historical record search, and other places on the site. This change helps ensure a consistent and organized way to present place information. Since place names around the world change over time, these standards are updated regularly to keep the system accurate and relevant.
How standardized place-names affect catalog searches
The standardized place-names can impact how you search for and view catalog entries:
- Different display names. Some places now have updated display names or are grouped within larger regions. You may need to make an extra click or two to locate the desired search results. Some examples:
- Some place names may display differently. For example, Aalborg, Denmark now displays as Ålborg.
- Some place-names are now displayed in their native language instead of English. Copenhagen now displays as København.
- Same place, multiple names. One place can have multiple place names. This issue is especially prevalent with place-names that have changed over time, such as Russia; Russian Empire; and Soviet Union, Russia.
- Missing places: Certain places from the previous catalog may not yet appear in our standardized places. Many of these places are currently being reviewed and added. You can suggest a new place be added.
- Merged results. Some places were merged. For example, searching for China in English returned 154 results. Searching for 中國 returned 96 different results. Now, searching for either place returns all 250 results.
Benefits of using standardized place-names in the FamilySearch Catalog
Using standardized place-names in the FamilySearch Catalog provides several benefits:
- Improved precision. Searches now return more accurate results, which are better organized for ease of use. For example, a search for “China” now includes results in both English and Chinese.
- Enhanced usability. In the coming months, we will unify how digital, image, and physical collections appear in your search experience.
- No need for gazetteers. You no longer need access to the historical gazetteers that were to identify places in the old catalog. You do not even need to know which gazetteers were originally used. To find a modern place-name that corresponds to a historical one, use FamilySearch Places.
If you cannot find a place in the FamilySearch Catalog
Here are some strategies for finding the standardized place-name in the new catalog when you used to find it under a different name in the old catalog:
- Enter the modern version of the place-name. For example, you can find Austria, Slavonien, Esseg by entering its modern equivalent, Croatia, Osijek-Baranja, Osijek. The FamilySearch Places tool is helpful for figuring this type of information out.
- Use the keyword search instead of the place search. If the old place is used in the title or other parts of the catalog entry, it may show up with a keyword search.
- Look to ResearchWiki. Explore the FamilySearch Research Wiki to learn about a location and its name changes. Enter the location name into the search bar or click on the map to find it. Then, click the location name to view its genealogy page. For historical details, click History in the right panel. Or, scroll down to see the counties or jurisdictions within that location. Click on a county or jurisdiction, if highlighted, to see more information.
- Consider other versions of the place-name. Enter the name into FamilySearch Places. Then scroll down and look through the Names and Related Places section to find other ways the place might be listed in the catalog. Look for how the name is written in its own language, modern-day jurisdictions, and so forth.
We value your feedback
Your input helps us refine and improve the FamilySearch Catalog. After entering your search terms, look for the Feedback button in the lower-right corner of the search results page. Click the button to ask questions or share your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.
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