Best Practices for Naming People

Names are a key part of keeping your collection accurate and searchable. Whether you know exactly who someone is or are working from a hunch, using a consistent naming strategy helps keep everything organized and improves your results.

When You Know the Person’s Name

Use their full name when possible:

  • First, middle (if known), and last

  • Include maiden or alternate names if helpful

Examples:

  • Sarah Elizabeth Bennett

  • George W. Taylor (Sr.)

  • Mathilda Foreman née Fuhrmann

When You’re Not Sure

Use a general descriptor that helps you recognize them later:

  • “Unknown man in uniform”

  • “Woman at wedding with curls”

  • “Maybe Great-Grandma?”

These descriptors appear throughout the platform just like names — so make them memorable.

Keep It Searchable

Avoid overly vague names like:

  • “Guy 1”

  • “Old photo woman”

  • “? maybe”

These can pile up and become hard to tell apart. Instead, include a detail like clothing, pose, or context to help future-you (and others) recognize them.

Will Other People See My Names?

Yes — if a match is made across accounts, the person’s name or descriptor may appear to the other user. Naming profiles helps build trust and collaboration within the community.

🟢 Good names lead to better, faster matches — both for you and others.

🖼️ Screenshot Suggestion

Show:

  • Name field in use

  • Examples of well-named vs vague profiles

  • A match card showing the name a user gave their person

Copyright Related Faces® 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Patent Numbers: US 11,475,709 B2; US 12,094,245 B2

Copyright Related Faces® 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Patent Numbers: US 11,475,709 B2; US 12,094,245 B2

Copyright Related Faces® 2025
All Rights Reserved.

Patent Numbers: US 11,475,709 B2;
US 12,094,245 B2