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Census records frequently contain abbreviations used by enumerators to save space. These shorthand entries can indicate relationships, marital status, occupation, birthplace, citizenship, and other personal details. Understanding these abbreviations helps ensure accurate interpretation of census data.
| Term | Meaning |
| M | Male |
| F | Female |
| W | White |
| B | Black |
| Mu | Mulatto (historical classification) |
| Ind | Indian (Native American) |
| Ch | Chinese |
| Jp | Japanese |
| D | Divorced |
| S | Single |
| M | Married (context-dependent) |
| Wd | Widow |
| Wid | Widowed |
| H | Head of household |
| Wf | Wife |
| Son | Son |
| Dau | Daughter |
| Lodg | Lodger |
| Serv | Servant |
| Lab | Laborer |
| Farm Lab | Farm Laborer |
| Ag Lab | Agricultural Laborer |
| Occ | Occupation |
| Pa | Pennsylvania (state abbreviation, varies by year) |
| N.Y. | New York |
| Va | Virginia |
| Do | Ditto (same as above entry) |
| NA | Naturalized |
| PA | Papers filed (Declaration of Intent) |
| AL | Alien |
| NR | Not Reported |
| At Sch | At School |
| U | Unemployed |
| R | Rents home |
| O | Owns home |
| M1 | First marriage |
| M2 | Second marriage |
| S1 | First marriage (earlier census coding) |
| Vet | Veteran |
| UA | Union Army |
| CA | Confederate Army |
| Y | Yes |
| N | No |
| Fr | Father |
| Mo | Mother |
| Br | Brother |
| Sr | Senior |
| Jr | Junior |
| Apr | Apprentice |
| Bord | Boarder |
| Ins | Inmate |
| Alm | Almshouse |
| Pen | Penitentiary |
| Inst | Institution |
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