Soundex

Robert Russell, in the early 1900s developed a system called the Soundex system, a phonetic algorithm for indexing names by the way they sound (Smith, Smyth and Smithe) instead of the way they are spelled. Thus Soundex can help find a surname in census documents and surname databases, even though it may have been recorded under various spellings. In the 1930 when the US Government started indexing the census under the WPA, they used the Soundex system.

Rules for Soundex

Every Soundex code consists of a letter (always the first letter of the surname) and three numbers. These numbers are based on specific letter sounds found in the surname and can be determined by using the following chart:

1.  B, P, F, V
2.  C, S, K, G, J, Q, X, Z 
   
3. D, T 
4.  L 
   
5.  M, N 
   
6.  R

To apply the Soundex rules to your surname, follow the following steps:

1. Begin by writing out your surname. The first letter of the surname will be used to begin your Soundex code.
2. Next, cross out all vowels (A, E, I, O, U, Y), and the letters H and W, that follow the initial letter. These letters are disregarded for Soundex purposes.
3. Using the above table, assign numbers to the next three letters remaining in the surname. Disregard any remaining letters in the surname. If your name has less than three letters left, assign zeroes to those places. Your final Soundex code should be the first letter of the surname followed by three numbers (i.e. Smith is coded as S530).

Contact us | View site map