What is a maiden name?

Put simply, a maiden name is the family name of a woman before marriage - usually her father's surname or her mother's surname if she was unmarried.

Today the tradition of taking your husband's name is not as widespread as it used to be, with some people choosing to keep their own family name and give their children 'double-barrel' surnames to reflect the family names of both parents. But in times gone by the large majority of women would take the husband's family name upon marriage.

This means it can be harder to research female ancestors. In fact, according to Findmypast, 70% of unknown individuals in family trees are women. So let's put that right by being determined and diligent researchers!

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Why recording maiden names is important for family history

In genealogy, capturing maiden names helps paint a fuller picture of your family tree.

Imagine trying to trace your maternal lineage without knowing your great-great-grandmother’s surname before she married.

The challenge of finding maiden names and when to use them

It’s no secret that finding maiden names can be tricky. In the past, women were often identified by their husband’s surname in official records, leaving their birth family’s name behind. This practice can feel like hitting a brick wall when researching, but don’t worry — there are ways to break through.

When searching for records, use the name the person would have used during the specific time period. For example:

• To find records of your great-great-grandma as a child, search using her birth name
• To locate information about her later in life after she has got married, use her married name

Where can I find an ancestor's maiden name?

If you’re stuck trying to find a maiden name, try exploring these key resources:

Marriage certificates

Marriage documents are the obvious place to start, since this document marks the moment the ancestor gave up her maiden name. These certificates often list the bride’s original family name, but it is not always that simple.

• If the bride is marrying for a second time, the surname on the certificate may her previous married name
• The bride's maiden name might be inferred from her father's name, if listed
• If the father listed is a stepfather, his surname may not match the bride's maiden name
• Look at the witness's surname - could this be the maiden name? - they could have been a sibling or close relative on the same side of the family
• Don’t forget to check related documents like marriage banns, announcements, and even divorce records.

Don't forget the marriage certificates of her children, as a child's marriage record (bride or groom) could include their mother's maiden name.

Scottish marriage certificates are a little easier, as they more than often record the original maiden name (Scottish records are generally more likely to include a maiden name), and they also usually record the maiden name of the bride's mother and the groom's mother. You can search for Scottish Records at the Scotland'sPeople website.

Birth certificates

Obviously, the family name should be listed on an ancestor's birth certificate, but you might not be able to find this until you know the maiden name. Moving down the family tree (closer to you) a mother’s maiden name is often recorded on her children’s birth or baptism records. This can be one of the easiest ways to find that missing name.

• The General Register Office provides a public index that lists basic details of every birth recorded in England and Wales since 1837. However, these indexes only show mothers' maiden names from September 1911 onwards.
• Birth indexes are available to search on the free-to-use website FreeBMD. 

Other documents that may include maiden name 

• The death certificate for children can also mention parents' names, including the mother’s maiden name. Parents' names are not recorded on adult death certificates.
• Census records: sometimes, you’ll find extended family members — like a woman’s unmarried siblings or parents—living in the same household. These connections can reveal her maiden name.
• Church records: baptisms and marriages often list witnesses or sponsors who might be maternal relatives.
• Cemetery or gravestone information: sometimes gravestones or cemetery records include the maiden name
• Siblings’ records: if your direct ancestor’s records don’t reveal her maiden name, check her siblings’ documents. They might hold the clue you’re looking for.
• Newspaper records: may include marriage announcements showing the bride's maiden name
• Military records: pension records may show the maiden name

Another top tip is to look out for common names that appear repeatedly in your family tree. Sometimes children were given their mother's maiden name as their middle name in order to keep that connection to their original family name, this applied to both sexes, but is more common with girls.