Auto capitalization of name input fields

Is it appropriate to add auto capitalization on input fields where the user has to add first or last name text?

Answer

Auto capitalization is impossible. What algoritm would you use to auto capitalize when a lady enters "cléopatra diane de mérode" as her name? You would probably end up with things like:

• Cléopatra Diane De Mérode


• Cléopatra diane De mérode

The only correct spelling however is "Cléopatra Diane de Mérode" (wikipedia). As you can see, capitalization of names can be a tricky thing.

If the user would enter her name with correct capitalization, you would probably turn the correct name into something incorrect. Auto correction can easily turn into auto incorrection.

This name was just an example to prove a fact. In reality, many names have strange capitalization.