Background. The Ukrainian spelling of foreign proper names (individual and family names, as well as geographical names) is one of the most difficult and controversial areas of Ukrainian orthography. Its normalization requires detailed rules for each language. To find an effective tool for introducing the determined spelling rules into regular practice is another important goal. As presented in the article, digital technologies can be useful in addressing this problem.Сontribution to the research field. The current study lays out the theoretical foundations for the development of a computer-assisted method for the automatic transcription of proper names into Ukrainian.The purpose of the study is to determine the main principles of Ukrainian practical transcription of foreign proper names.Research methods. In developing lists of foreign proper names, a method was selected that involves simultaneous sampling, the application of classification procedures and the interpretation of the linguistic phenomena. The application of this comparative method makes it possible to identify similar cases in a variety of languages, to unify rules and to enable systematization. A descriptive method was used to summarize the research results theoretically.Results. The article introduces categories for distinguishing 1) acquired proper names, which, by analogy with common names of foreign origin, generally do not differ and are firmly assimilated by the Ukrainian language and are pronounced and written in accordance with existing Ukrainian orthoepic and orthographic norms; 2) foreign proper names, which most adequately reproduce the pronunciation and spelling of the term in the source language.Rules for Ukrainian spelling of foreign proper names are formulated according to the principles of practical transcription. The main principles of Ukrainian practical transcription of foreign proper names are summarized, illustrated and justified.Discussion. The main principles of Ukrainian practical transcription of foreign proper names discussed in this article do not contravene the rules and practices of current Ukrainian orthography established in 2019. They can be useful to editors and journalists who deal with writing foreign proper names in Ukrainian in their daily work.