Name Matching and Identity Matching

Abstract

The matching of proper names plays a key role in any identity matching process; in many cases, the name may be the only criterion entered into the search. Name matching is also the one element of identity matching that is most directly affected by the paradigm shift towards linguistic matching, which is why this text has so far focused on the way that names are matched. However, a person's name is only one feature of their identity and many identity matching processes allow for a broad range of search attributes. This chapter looks at the non-name characteristics that are most frequently included in the search profile and introduces the additional requirements that they bring to the design of a comprehensive identity search solution.