Uncertain names belong in an archive as uncertain names. Recording competing possibilities is more useful than choosing the most familiar answer.
A practical way to begin
Preserve any existing inscription exactly in a separate transcription.
List proposed identifications with the name of the person who suggested each one.
Describe supporting evidence, such as another labeled photo, without treating resemblance as proof.
Use a visible uncertain label in shared captions until the question is resolved.
For example
A caption can identify a person as possibly an aunt, followed by a note that another relative believes the image shows a cousin.
What to avoid
Avoid removing uncertainty markers simply to make an album look finished. Readers should be able to distinguish confirmed facts from family hypotheses.
Should I keep the original material?
Yes. Keep an untouched source and work with copies. A finished album, transcript or edited video serves a different purpose from the original material. Check that your saved copies open, and keep important context such as names and dates alongside them.
Related family guides
A personal keepsake, if it fits your plans
If you decide to turn a selection of family photos or videos into a physical keepsake, you can explore Forever Orb. Keep the original files and a separate backup; a display gift is not your archive.
