Computer systems in some counties here allow you to type in a partial name and then add * as a "wildcard".  This sometimes brings up variations of names; it depends on the way you put in the name. 

From experience, I know that sometimes certain names are inputted incorrectly on both the computer and the book indices.   Last names such as McClellan may show up as McLellan (actual error found recently); Bernhardt as Bernhart; MacDonald as McDonald; Yarbrough as Yarborough, Gonzalez as Gonzales; etc.  With first names, I check known nicknames (Robert - Bob and all).  I check alternate spellings on first names like Kristina, Kristine as Christine, Christina; Jonathan as Johnathan, Keesha as Keisha because sometimes people will go with the common spelling and that is what they are used to seeing.  (My own name is often confused with Helen and Helena and it is ireflected in the indices as so). 

The names I have the most worries are the Oriental names.   I've seen docs signed a bit different from the name on the vesting deed.  I wish there was a law that said all vesting deeds had to be in the buyer's legal name and that all documents had to be clearly signed as so.   No squiggles!  AKA's or FKA's are fine, just sign the legal name legibly (notaries & witnesses too!)   Not Ricky if your legal name is Richard!  No middle names please! 

I appreciate the posting of the rule of idem sonans.  I hope to abide by it as much as I can. I think  that common sense and experience should tell us how far to go in checking names.  You have to draw a line somewhere.

Happy Halloween!  I don't get trick or treaters where I live!