What's the Correct alphabetical listing method for last names like von Braun?

I would think under V, von. I think “von whomever” is akin to Mc names, like McFadden.

My guess is B, “Braun, von”

I think the trick is, for someone else looking for it, where would they look? I’d be looking under v…

I would look under B, because “von” simply means “from” or “of”

So does “Mac” and “O,” as in “O’Riley.” We still file them under M and O.

I agree with @ragingloli. My first instinct would be to look for it under B.

@Val123
The problem is that Mac and O are both part of the word, they are written together without a space. “von” has a space after it, and is separate from the rest.

I just checked our local phone book. All are alphabetized by Mac, Mc, Van, and Von.

There are dozens of Van Alstynes, all listed under Van, and the same for the Von Doodleburgs.

I would say V. That’s the first letter of the last name.

@ragingloli I win!

@Val123
http://www.dastelefonbuch.de/
Search for von braun.
It is listed as Braun, ‘first name’ von.
We both win!

@ragingloli Well, that’s weird. It’s listed as Brain when you look for Braun? I guess Brains are better than Braun!

@ragingloli Wull, ja! In Germany they may do it differently simply because a) they can’t spell and b) They’re fully aware that “von” just means “of”. Lots of ‘Mericans don’t know that.

°spanks Dutchess°

OW!

Ha! No wonder I was confused. Thanks, all. :-)

Maybe you should look under “S”?

@ragingloli LOL! The fact that you called me ‘Dutchess’ instead of ‘Val123’ didn’t even register till I looked at it a second time!

Go with the V that is how it will be listed in the phone book

Well, alphabetically.

@gailcalled & @Cruiser The Phone Book is good enough for me. V it will B.

Your giving that kind of power on a decision like this to the Phone Company?
(Gasp!)

@filmfann It’s certainly not as bad as the power that’s given to the DMV to decide who is qualified to drive and who isn’t.

Let’s see. A person has dementia. Doesn’t know green from red. Gets DL.
Person is perfectly physically and mentally competent….but can’t read. No DL for them.