The spelling of the word "birth record" corresponds to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription as "bɜːθ ˈrɛkɔːd". The first syllable "bɜːθ" is pronounced with a central vowel sound, while the second syllable "ˈrɛkɔːd" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, making it a two-syllable word. This word refers to an official document that records the birth of a person, with details like their name, date and place of birth, and other key information related to their identity that is recorded for legal purposes.
A birth record is an official document that contains detailed information regarding the birth of an individual. It serves as an essential piece of legal evidence documenting the date and place of a person's birth. Birth records are usually issued by government authorities, such as the registry office or vital statistics department, responsible for maintaining records of vital events in a particular jurisdiction.
The information typically found in a birth record includes the full name of the newborn, the date and time of birth, gender, name of parents, as well as their occupations and current addresses. In some cases, the birth record may also include additional details such as the birth weight, nationality, and religion of the child. The document is usually signed by a medical professional or registered official who was present at the birth.
Birth records are vital for various legal and administrative purposes. They establish a person's identity and are often required when applying for government-issued identification, such as passports or driver's licenses. Birth records are also crucial for record-keeping purposes, ensuring accurate population statistics and providing data for medical research, genealogy, or demographic studies.
Birth records are typically considered confidential and protected by privacy laws. However, they can be accessed by individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or authorized government personnel. In some cases, birth records may be publicly available after a certain period, typically several decades, to facilitate genealogy and historical research.
The word "birth" originated from the Old English word "byrþ" or "byrth", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "berthiz". This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European base "*bher-" meaning "to carry, bear".
The word "record" is derived from the Middle English word "recorden", which is derived from the Old French word "recorder" meaning "to remember". This, in turn, comes from the Latin word "recordari" meaning "to call to mind" or "to remember".
Therefore, the term "birth record" combines the Old English word for "birth" with the Middle English word for "remember" or "call to mind", implying a document designed to preserve the details of an individual's birth for future reference or verification.