How are names put on gravestones?

When it comes to tombstone name etiquette the order of names is generally: First Middle Last nee Maiden name (if applicable). This can be altered to include nicknames as such: First (Nickname) Last or First (Nickname) Middle Last. You can also include the maiden name in brackets like so: First Middle Last [Maiden].

What do you mark a grave with?

gravestone – a stone grave marker; more loosely, any grave marker. syn. tombstone.

What do symbols on graves mean?

A hand with the index finger pointing upward symbolizes the hope of heaven, while a hand with forefinger pointing down represents God reaching down for the soul. Seen as an important symbol of life, hands carved into gravestones represent the deceased’s relationships with other human beings and with God.

What are the words on your grave called?

A short message referred to as an epitaph is usually added to a headstone along with a person’s name, birth date, and death date. Typically, the goal of the epitaph is to leave some words of wisdom, share the most important values of the deceased, or summarize the person’s life.

Do you put middle names on a headstone?

Most churchyards require that the first and last names are included on a headstone, but some cemeteries do not have such strict rules and from time to time we are asked to only include the first name.

Do you put maiden name or married name on headstone?

The traditional order of names on a headstone is usually “first name, middle name, last name, maiden name.” This could also be adapted for nicknames. It’s very flexible, as you’ll see in these examples below.

What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?

Research also revealed that the downward-pointing hand, without chain, does indeed exist as a gravestone symbol—but signifies not damnation but only a sudden death, or the finger of God coming down to select someone to take to heaven.