Initial Articles ( FN 1):

If the language is not Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, or Urdu, retain initial articles at the beginning of the entry element.

When an Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, or Urdu name is being established in systematic romanization, delete the initial article that would otherwise be the entry element. (Do not delete other articles in the name, e.g., an article that precedes the forename in a surname-comma-forename heading.)

When an Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, or Urdu name is being established in "found" romanization, also delete the initial article unless the expression of the name in the chief source capitalizes the initial article. In the latter case, retain the article as the entry element (regardless of whether or not a hyphen appears connecting the article with the name following). If the typography of the chief source is ambiguous, as when the name is presented in all capital letters, look for other statements of the name in the item and follow predominant usage.

See also:

22. Persons