GRO online search term clarification

[Milliepede]

I just can't get my head around "phonetically similar" versus "similar sounding" variations of a surname.

Can anyone explain simply what the difference is please?

Thank you

[jim1]

Must say I've wondered that myself. I can only assume that it includes names that are variations on the spelling of the name as well as names that sound similar.

[KGarrad]

"Phonetically Similar Variations" uses a metaphone algorithm.
"Similar Sounding Variations" uses a soundex algorithm.

See:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundex

[Milliepede]

Can anyone explain simply

That's even more complicated 

Perhaps an example would help me differentiate.

Say the name Smith can sound like Piff would that be a soundex algorithm?

What would Smith be under the other option?

[josey]

What would Smith be under the other option?

Smythe?

[Melbell]

I too am confused.  I think GRO could come up with something simpler for ordinary customers.  I try one variation for the surname, and then perhaps the other one for the first name, get nothing, or names which seem to me nothing like the 'original' search name.....then I forget which option I've already done, get even more confused, repeat my search without meaning to, etc. etc.!!!

I'm glad it's not just me.

Melbell 

[KGarrad]

Soundex algorithms convert all words to a letter plus 3 digits
So, Smith becomes S530 (5 represents M or N; 3 represents D or T; vowels and H are disregarded).

Both Soundex and Metaphone are intended for computer programs.

For example, we can easily distinguish between Smith, Smyth and Sinnott - but a computer doesn't see similarities (because it uses exact matching). Replacing the names by a code makes things easier (for the computer program!) but far from perfect. Smith, Smyth and Sinnott all have a Soundex code of S530.

Metaphone was developed to try to improve on this - but it is necessarily complicated!


I always use the Sounds Similar Variation on the GRO site.
I only use Phonetic Variations if I can't find what I want.

I also try not to mix-and-match!
I would rather search on a blank forename, and select from the results found.

[Milliepede]

I wish I hadn't asked   

but thank you 

[josey]

Thanks for the explanation, KGarrad, I like knowing how things work.