Pluralizing Proper Names Without Changing the Spelling
The Apostrophe
Rulebase Summary
When making a proper name plural, do not change the base spelling of the name. If the name ends in s, z, x, soft ch, or sh, add -es to make it plural regardless of pronunciation. When a surname has 'the' in front of it, make the name plural without regard to how it might be pronounced. Never use an apostrophe when all you need is the plain plural form of a proper name.
Examples
A. We spent the evening with the Wilson's last week.
A. We spent the evening with the Wilsons last week.
Plain plural of a name — no apostrophe needed.
A. The Lewises' were all present at the hearing.
A. The Lewises were all present at the hearing.
Name ending in s: add -es for the plural, no apostrophe for non-possessive.
Transcript Notes
When a name ends in a consonant that normally changes for plurals in common words (e.g., names ending in -y or -man), ignore that rule for proper names — do not change the base spelling. The plural of a name ending in -y is formed by adding -s, not by changing y to ies. The plural of a name ending in -man is formed by adding -s, not by changing to -men.
Style Guide References (5)
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP