"Otherwise"

[Greaves]

I have come across the term "otherwise" on a marriage certificate and do not understand what it signifies.

The groom is described as "John POWELL otherwise Percy Evelyn GARNER". I have seen the term "formerly" used before in relation to married women, but have never come across this term before. Does it have a specific meaning?

[rosie99]

I would think it means 'also known as'

Rosie

[Greaves]

Yes - I too assumed that, but I was wondering if there was a specific meaning attached to the term by registrars.

I assume that there are guidelines for registrars, with specific meanings given to specific terms.

And in any case, why would he have two names? He clearly wasn't unhappy to share the knowledge that he went under two names, so I doubt that there are legal complications.

His father is listed as Edward Powell, so presumably he was born John Powell.

[lizdb]

I agree with Rosie.

Also used is the term "alias".

Seems he used two names. But no reason to suspect any criminal reason, he declares both names openly. And one can call oneself whatever one wants, as long as there is no intenet to defraud. He is open about his two names, so all above board. We are just left wondering Why?

 (Posts crossed)

[stanmapstone]

The instructions to the clergy/registrar were/are that if either of the parties has adopted or is commonly known by a christian name or surname other than his or her true name, or surname, both names or surnames should be recorded in the register book with the word "otherwise"  between them.

Stan

[Greaves]

Excellent. I presume that the first name given is his birth name.

[roopat]

One of my husband's ancestors used his middle name and the surname of his stepfather in one or two censuses but reverted to both of his original names on his marriage certificate & childrens' birth certificates. Maybe Mr Garner was John's stepfather?  (Although not sure about the Percy Evelyn!)

Pat

[stanmapstone]

This is what is in the Guidebook for the Clergy General Register Office February 2015
4.17 Sometimes a person uses, and is known by, two names at the same time – in this instance both names should be entered using “otherwise”. If either of the couple have been known by another name, you should try to link both names using “formerly known as” providing that the party does not object. If the party does object, you should advise them that unless both names are entered, difficulties may arise in future years concerning the identity of the party. If the party still objects, you should enter the name and surname by which he/she is known.  http://www.rootschat.com/links/01fbc/