In genealogy, 'aet' is a Latin abbreviation for 'aetate', which directly translates to "aged" or "at the age of." This abbreviation is commonly found in historical records to indicate a person's age at the time a record was made, such as a death, burial, or even a census entry.
Understanding 'Aet' in Context
Genealogists frequently encounter Latin abbreviations because many historical records, particularly those from ecclesiastical sources like parish registers, were written in Latin or incorporated Latin terms. When you see 'aet.' followed by a number, it specifies the individual's age at that particular point in time. For instance, "John Doe, aet. 75" would mean "John Doe, aged 75."
Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for accurate genealogical research, as they provide vital clues about birth years, life spans, and family relationships. Knowing a person's age at death, for example, allows researchers to calculate an approximate birth year, which can then guide further searches in birth or baptismal records.
Common Latin Abbreviations in Genealogical Records
Beyond 'aet.', many other Latin abbreviations appear in historical documents. These shorthand terms were used by scribes and record-keepers to save time and space, providing essential details about dates, events, and relationships.
Here's a table of some frequently encountered Latin abbreviations relevant to genealogical research:
| Abbreviation | Latin Term | Meaning in Genealogy | Example Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aet. | Aetate | Aged, at the age of | Maria, aet. 30 (Maria, aged 30) |
| Sep. | Sepultus | Buried | Thomas sep. die 10 mensis Maii (Thomas buried on the 10th day of May) |
| Die | Die | Day | Die 15 Dec. (On the 15th day of December) |
| Mensis | Mensis | Month | Mensis Junii (Month of June) |
| Anno | Anno | Year | Anno 1750 (In the year 1750) |
| Ano.Dini | Anno Domini | Year of our Lord | Ano.Dini 1800 (In the year of our Lord 1800) |
| Nati. | Natus | Born | Filia nati 1799 (Daughter born 1799) |
| Ob. | Obiit | Died | Ob. 5 Feb. (Died 5 February) |
These abbreviations, including 'aet.', help paint a more complete picture of an ancestor's life events when piecing together a family history. Familiarity with them simplifies the process of deciphering old records and extracting valuable information.
For more information on deciphering historical documents and understanding genealogical terms, resources like the FamilySearch Wiki offer extensive guides and glossaries.
