This presentation demonstrates methods and tools for tackling two common predicaments when researching families of Mexican origin. First, distinguishing between people with the same names, living in the same place, at the same. And second, determining which compound given names and compound surnames to record in your source citations, online trees, and family narratives.
In a compelling addition to the Legacy Family Tree Mexico Research Series, Colleen Greene delivers a masterclass on navigating the intricate world of Mexican names and family structures. Titled Strategies for Sorting Out and Documenting Mexican Names and Families, this in-depth webinar addresses one of the most complex aspects of genealogical research for families of Mexican origin: understanding how historical, cultural, and legal shifts have shaped naming practices and how to manage multiple individuals with identical names. With over two decades of personal and professional experience in genealogy, Greene combines academic rigor with practical insights, making this session invaluable for both novice and seasoned researchers.
Understanding Naming Conventions and Historical Contexts
Greene begins by grounding researchers in the historical evolution of Mexican naming practices, from the early Spanish colonial period through civil registration reforms in the 19th century. She explains the significance of Catholic sacramental records—which date back to the 1500s—and the 1867 enforcement of civil registration, which introduced standardized dual surnames. This context is essential for interpreting documents correctly and avoiding common pitfalls, such as applying modern surname conventions to earlier records.
Documenting Names with Accuracy and Consistency
The webinar emphasizes best practices for recording given names, dual surnames, and Americanized variations in genealogical databases and narratives. Greene offers flexible, yet consistent, strategies for managing name variations while cautioning against “presentism”—the mistaken application of modern naming standards to earlier eras. She also details how to construct clear, citation-rich source entries, using editorial brackets and explanations to clarify discrepancies.
Resolving Same-Name Identity Conflicts through Methodology
One of the webinar’s most practical segments tackles the common challenge of distinguishing individuals with the same name. Greene introduces the use of “identity characteristic profiles” and demonstrates how to build detailed research plans and reports using tools such as customized cheat sheets, modified timelines, and document analysis strategies. A real-life case study involving multiple individuals named Santiago Compeán showcases her systematic approach to resolving ambiguous identities.
To fully appreciate the depth of Greene’s guidance—and to access the comprehensive syllabus packed with reference charts and research tools—viewers are encouraged to watch the complete webinar. Doing so will provide clarity, structure, and confidence in tackling even the most tangled family trees.
For those eager to dig deeper, the syllabus also includes an extensive list of recommended webinars, record-specific guides, and methodology resources that will sharpen your skills and elevate your research. Dive into this expertly curated toolkit and continue building your expertise in Mexican genealogical research.
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Syllabus
Colleen’s strategies were excellent! Amazing information to use as I research my Alvarado ‘familia’ in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico.
Colleen’s webinar went way beyond the name’s conundrum we often face. This was an awesome detailed and in-depth **methods** presentation (and perhaps, should also be cataloged in the library as such).
I really appreciate that these webinars are made available for free and that an effort is made in teaching methodologies to research Mexican American family history.
Well done! Thank you for a great presentation! It was very informative and will aid my research.
Colleen never fails to deliver an outstanding webinar. Her webinars have been so helpful to me in researching my daughter-in-law’s side of the family. Now if the people in Mexicali, Mexico would put every thing online, it would be so much easier for me to research.
I am new to Mexican and Mexican American research, and I not only learned a lot about the naming system but also gained useful strategies for researching my Uncle’s husband, who had been estranged from his family since his teenage years.
good information about doing research plans and dual names in Spanish research.
Great Handout. This has been a topic I have struggled with forever. It looks like forever has ended. Thank you Colleen!!!