Prefixes are Sometimes Linked to the First Name and Sometimes to the Last Name

Names from certain regions or languages may contain prefixes, for example von, van, du, etc. Depending on the prefix and the geographic region, sometimes these are considered part of the first name and sometimes part of the last name.

Citavi's Editor can help you format names properly. Open it by clicking a name and selecting Edit.

If the prefix is to be considered part of the first name, enter it in the Prefix field; otherwise, list it in Last Name field. If you do not wish to use the Editor to format the name, please note the following rules:

In German-speaking areas, prefixes are attached to the person's first name:

Example

In Citavi

Max von der Grün

Grün, Max von der

Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein

Stein, Karl vom und zum

Prefixes are attached to the last name if prepositions and articles are placed before the surname:

Example

In Citavi

Jürgen vom Scheidt

Vom Scheidt, Jürgen

Prefixes are attached to the last name in Luxembourgian names:

Example

In Citavi

Émile van der Vekene

Van der Vekene, Émile

In English-speaking areas, prefixes are attached to the last name

Example

In Citavi

Daphne du Maurier

Du Maurier, Daphne

Knightley d’Anvers

D’Anvers, Knightley

The Scottish "Mac/Mc" is always part of a last name:

Example

In Citavi

Arthur MacDonald

MacDonald, Arthur

In French, Italian and Spanish names, as with names of Latin origin, prefixes are attached to the last name:

Example

In Citavi

Jean de La Fontaine

La Fontaine, Jean de

Antonio Di Pietro

Di Pietro, Antonio

Maria Della Casa

Della Casa, Maria

Gertrud von le Fort

Le Fort, Gertrud von