No, in standard alphabetical order, 'MA' typically comes before 'MC'. While historical filing practices sometimes treated names beginning with 'Mc' differently, the current and widely accepted method is strict alphabetical ordering.
Understanding Standard Alphabetical Order
Alphabetical order follows a letter-by-letter comparison. When comparing two words or prefixes, you compare the first letters. If they are the same, you move to the second letter, and so on.
- M-A
- M-C
In this comparison, both start with 'M'. Moving to the second letter, 'A' precedes 'C' in the alphabet. Therefore, 'MA' comes before 'MC'.
Evolution of Filing Practices for Surnames
Historically, particularly in older classification and indexing systems, there was a specific convention for surnames beginning with "Mc" and "Mac."
- Past Practice (Pre-1981): In many instances, surnames like "Mc" and "Mac" were treated as if they were spelled "Mac" and then interfiled as if they started with "Ma." This meant they would often appear before other names beginning with "Ma" in alphabetical lists. For example, "McKinley" might have been listed before "Madison."
- Current Practice (Since 1981): This specialized practice for "Mc" and "Mac" names ended in 1981. Since then, and in all contemporary alphabetical systems, these names are filed strictly alphabetically, just like any other word. This ensures consistency and simplifies filing rules significantly.
Illustrative Examples of Current Alphabetical Order
To demonstrate the current standard, consider how various names beginning with 'M' would be ordered:
- MacDonald
- MacGregor
- Madison
- McCarthy
- McKinley
- Mercury
- Miller
As you can see, all names starting with 'Ma' consistently appear before those starting with 'Mc'.
Comparing Old vs. Current Filing Rules
The shift in filing rules highlights the commitment to a universal, straightforward alphabetical sequence.
| Feature | Old Filing Practice (Pre-1981) | Current Filing Practice (Since 1981) |
|---|---|---|
| "Mc" & "Mac" Names | Often treated as "Mac" and filed before other "Ma" names. | Filed strictly alphabetically, following the standard letter sequence. |
| Order Example | McAdams, MacBeth, Madison, Miller | MacAdams, MacBeth, Madison, McCarthy, Miller |
| Complexity | Required knowledge of a specific, non-standard rule. | Straightforward and consistent with general alphabetical principles. |
Key Takeaway
For modern alphabetical sorting, including the filing of surnames, the principle is simple: every letter is considered in sequence. Therefore, 'MA' precedes 'MC' because 'A' comes before 'C'.
