... add an extra layer of depth to the hash ...

The best solution, I think.

... the [data] was stated to be just an example.

True, but one can only address the circumstances before one. As you say, the whole consideration may turn out to be irrelevant.

... three different players who share the same surname.
OT: I recently read (it might even have been here on PM) of a sports team somewhere with two players with the same surname and same given name who were playing in the same game, and one guy replaced the other! De-duplicate that!

Give a man a fish:  <%-{-{-{-<

In reply to Re^4: Unique Values within AOH (updated) by AnomalousMonk
in thread Unique Values within AOH by dirtdog

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