Name Spellings, Middle Names, and Variations: Why They Matter
The accuracy of a name is very important in a background check. Did you know that most of the databases that we use to locate records require that we enter at least a first and last name to begin the research, meaning the name is the starting point for a background check. When records are located that match the name, we can then research further to locate other identifiers to verify that the record does actually belong to this person. Other identifiers include middle name, date of birth, address, social security number, driver’s license, etc. Since the research begins with a name, this is why it is so important that we are provided accurate information like correct spelling, correct full legal name (instead of a nickname), middle names (incredibly helpful when a common name is researched), additional names (maiden names/name changes), etc.
Most of the platforms used for research will only return names that exactly match what we enter. There are so many spelling variations for names, it is important that applicants and clients double check the names that they submit to us to make sure everything is included and spelled correctly. For example, if John Smith is searched, we will get records back for John Smith, but not for Jon Smith (spelling difference). As you can imagine, there will be a lot of records for John Smith, so this is when a middle name, suffix, date of birth, etc. comes in to play to help us determine which record actually belongs to the person we are looking for.
Every state has its own style of records databases. Some only need a last name to being a search, some a full first and last name, others a full name plus a date of birth. We use the information provided to use to search across all of these different databases, and if a name is spelled wrong from the start, the potential of missing records goes up. Spelling errors and incorrect dates of birth are two of the main issues we find. We do what we can on our end to catch these before research begins, but when a client double checks the information, they provide us beforehand, we can be more confident in our research.
As you can see, names are very important when it comes to a background check. Our job is to provide the most accurate information on the reports we create and in order to do that, we must start with accurate information. Double checking the spelling of a name is a great start!
