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Design Guide 3 min read
Titles and Suffixes on Headstones: Jr., Sr., Dr., Rev. and More
How to show Jr., Sr., II, III, Dr., Rev., ranks and professional letters on a headstone — placement, punctuation and when to include them.
Titles and suffixes help identify the right person — especially when names repeat across generations.
Suffixes
| Suffix | Example |
|---|---|
| Jr. / Sr. | JOHN SMITH JR. |
| II, III | JOHN SMITH III |
Commas before Jr. are optional; many stones omit them for a cleaner line.
Titles
| Title | Example |
|---|---|
| Doctor | DR. ANNA PATEL |
| Clergy | REV. JAMES BROWN |
| Military rank | SGT. MICHAEL LEE — see military inscriptions |
| Credentials | MARY SMITH, RN — see nurse ideas |
Tips
- Suffixes matter for genealogy — include them when used in life.
- Titles can go before the name or on a line below.
- Keep punctuation consistent across a family's stones.
Key Takeaways
- Jr., Sr. and numerals distinguish generations.
- Titles and credentials honour careers.
- Be consistent with punctuation.
Next Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Jr. go on a headstone?
Yes, if the person used it in life — it helps distinguish generations.
Is there a comma before Jr. on a headstone?
It is optional; many stones omit it for a cleaner line.
Can Dr. or Rev. go on a headstone?
Yes, before the name or on a line below it.
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