The Soundex Coding System

The Soundex is a coded surname (last name) index based on the way a surname sounds rather than the way it is spelled. Surnames that sound the same, but are spelled differently, like SMITH and SMYTH, have the same code and are filed together. The Soundex coding system was developed so that you can find a surname even though it may have been recorded under various spellings.

To search for a particular surname, you must first work out its code. Every Soundex code consists of a letter and three numbers, such as W252. The letter is always the first letter of the surname. The numbers are assigned to the remaining letters of the surname according to the Soundex guide below.

Line 1 - Write the surname that you are coding, placing one letter in each box. Not counting the first letter, mark through all the vowels and the letters H, W, and Y.

Line 2 - Bring down the first letter and the first three consonants from line 1.

Line 3 - Bring down the first letter, then substitute the appropriate numbers from the Soundex Coding Guide for the remaining letters on line 2.

Line 4 - Bring down the first letter and the numbers from line 3. Add zeroes to any empty boxes.

Additional Rules

If the surname has any double letters, they should be treated as one letter.

Thus, in the surname Lloyd, the second L should be ignored; in the surname Harrison, the second R should be ignored.

A surname may have different letters side-by-side that have the same number on the Soundex Coding Guide. For example, PF if Pfister (1 is the number for both P and F); CKS in Jackson (2 is the number for C, K, and S.) These letters should be treated as one letter.

In the name Pfister, F should be ignored; in the name Jackson, K and S should be ignored.

If a surname has a prefix, such as Van, Con, De, Di, La, or Le, code both with and without the prefix because it might be listed under either code.

The surname vanDeusen, for example, should be coded in two ways. Mc and Mac are not considered prefixes.

Disclaimer

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, Bill Harrison will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages.