When inputting names to a database (used by English and non-English language users) what would be the preferable way to tackle a name with two middle initials?
John George William Doe for example.
Personally I would input:
First Name = John
Middle Initial = G. W. (with a space between the G. and the W.)
Last Name = Doe
Other schools of thought have the middle initials as G.W. (no space).
I believe the database sorting will put the G. space W. before the G.W.
Logic tells me that his middle names are George William therefore his initials are G. space W. Otherwise his name(s) would be GeorgeWilliam.
Is this a cultural thing perhaps? English v American?
Are there any "data input rules" involved here?
Best Answer
You're not going to find any single rule for this. It's purely a matter of style and preference.
The best you can do is refer to a style guide—assuming you find one you like that discusses this. (Not all of them do.) Otherwise, just pick what you think looks best.
You say you prefer spaces. If you do, and nobody objects, then use them. But if you find that it causes names to be sorted in an order you don't like, then you'll need to decide if the sorting order is more important than each name's appearance. (Or find some way to have the sorting order you want despite the space or its lack.)
Some software may not even be programmed to accept a space or period (or even more than just a single letter) in a middle-initial entry field. In which case, it becomes a moot point.
For reference, although this is far from the only style guide on the subject, this is what The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.) says in several locations.
10.12:
14.74:
15.33: