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Genealogy: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Glossary of Last Name Meanings & Origins - Surname Meanings & Family Trees
Find last name meanings, orgins, family trees, and search tips for surnames of English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Jewish origin, including the 100 most popular US surnames
Free Family Tree Chart
This graphic family tree chart records the ancestors from whom you directly descend in a traditional family tree format, suitable for sharing or even framing. Best of all, it can be completed in your computer browser and then saved or printed.
Create Your Own Photo Calendar
Create your own personalized, printable calendar with these step-by-step instructions and ideas for designing and printing family photo calendars. Includes links to calendar creator software, calendar templates, and calendar clipart.
Merry Christmas - Best Wishes for A Wonderful Holiday Season from your Genealogy Guide
Christmas wishes, links and holiday cheer: saint bridget of sweden christmas genealogy clement c moore hanukkah story twelve days of christmas
Free Interactive Pedigree Chart
Fill in your family tree and share it right online or save to your computer with this free, four-generation, interactive pedigree chart. It can also be printed and filled in by hand.
Spanish Surname Meanings
Uncover the meaning of your Spanish last name with this free guide to Hispanic surname meanings and origins. Includes links to related Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican genealogy resources.
Italian Surname Meanings O...
Uncover the meaning of your Italian last name with this free guide to Italian surname meanings and origins.
Free Family Tree Fan Chart
Display your family tree in style with this free, printable genealogy fan chart. It displays five generations of ancestors in a beautiful fan style, complete with vining roses. Available for free download and printing.
Last Name Meanings
Learn how to find the meaning of your last name and trace your surname's origin back through history. Describes the different ways in which surnames developed and tips for tracing last name meanings and origins.
English Surname Meanings
Uncover the meaning of your English last name with this free guide to English surname meanings and origins. Includes a list of 100 of the most popular English surnames, plus links to related English genealogy resources.
100 Most Common U.S. Surnames - Common Last Name Meanings, Origins, and Family Trees
Find meanings, orgins, family trees, and search tips for the 100 most common U.S. surnames.
Polish Surname Meanings
Uncover the meaning of your Polish last name with this free guide to Polish surnames meanings and origins. Includes links to related Polish genealogy resources.
DIY Heirloom Photo Ornament
Create your own treasured heirloom ornament with these step-by-step instructions for using clear glass balls and photocopied photos to make beautiful Christmas ornaments.
Adoption Search & Reunion
Start the search for your birth family with these step-by-step suggestions for locating birth parents, children, and other adoptees. Includes tips for researching adoptees in your family tree.
Nature vs. Nurture
New genetic findings have recently re-opened the acrimonious nature versus nurture debate. Read scientific studies and viewpoints to support each side.
German Surname Meanings Or...
Uncover the meaning of your German last name with this free guide to German surname meanings and origins. Includes links to related German genealogy resources.
French Surname Meanings Or...
Uncover the meaning of your French last name with this free guide to French surname meanings and origins. Includes links to related French genealogy resources.
Irish Surnames
Discover the meaning of your Irish last name, and find where in Ireland these Irish surnames are most commonly found.
101 Free Genealogy Sites 1-25
Explore one hundred of the best free genealogy databases and free surname search sites on the Net - these free genealogy databases combined include billions of names!
Genealogy in France
Learn how to research your French family tree with this guide to genealogical records in France. Includes information on both online and offline records including birth, marriage, death, census and church records, plus a letter writing guide and tips on sending research requests to France.
Writing Family History
Yes, the research is the fun part. Writing a family history book just seems too daunting to be fun. But when the relatives start nagging, try these 10 easy steps for making your family history book a reality.
Social Security Numbers
Determine the state in which a Social Security number was issued using the following chart.
House Histories
Whether you live in a Manhattan brownstone apartment or a castle in France, your home may be harboring a fascinating history. Learn how to uncover the history and genealogy of a house or other building with this step by step guide.
Military Genealogy - How to Trace the Military Ancestors in Your Family Tree
Learn how to trace the military heroes in your family tree with this guide to US military records, including what they can tell you and where to find them.
Historic Newspapers Online
Research online in these historic newspaper collections from around the world. Most include digital images of the actual newspapers as well as a searchable index.
Genealogist's Christmas Eve - A Poem Based on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Genealogist's Christmas Eve 'Twas the night before Christmas When all through the house Not a creature
Cite Your Genealogy Sources
While assembling the pieces to your family tree puzzle, it is important to rememember that citing your genealogy sources correctly and completely is what gives your research credibility. Learn how to correctly site a variety of common genealogy sources in this guide to genealogy documentation.
Evidence or Proof?
Make sure that every ancestor you place on your family tree really belongs there by applying the Genealogical Proof Standard to your genealogical research. Learn how to determine when your collected genealogical facts and evidence are enough to constitute proof of ancestral connections.
Fifty Questions for Family ...
What to ask when you get a chance to quiz your relatives about their lives and their family history.
Free SSDI Search
Why pay to search the Social Security Death Index - SSDI - when you can use and search the SSDI for free? These online sites offer up-to-date, current versions of the US SSDI database with free online search for everyone.
Common Census Abbreviations
Handy list of abbreviations and their meanings, gathered from census forms and census taker instructions for the US, Canadian and British censuses.
GEDCOM 101 - How to Open and Read a GEDCOM File
Learn how to open and read family tree files saved in GEDCOM format.
Christmas Around the World
Learn how Christmas is celebrated in countries around the world, including gift giving, foods, carols, and other Christmas traditions. Plus, the origins of popular Christmas traditions including Santa Claus, mistletoe, holly, and the Christmas tree.
People Search Online
Learn how to find people online in a wide variety of databases - both public and private. Includes people search strategies and tips.
Top 10 Memory Books
Encourage your family members to record their memories for posterity with one of these wonderful memory books full of thought-provoking questions and space for recording the sure-to-be-cherished answers.
DNA Family Trees
Easy to understand guide to DNA and genealogy includes an introduction to the differences between Y-line and mtDNA testing, a guide to home DNA genetics tests, and tips for organizing a DNA surname study.
Restoring Digital Photos
Learn how to use your scanner and a basic graphics editing software program to repair, restore, and preserve your old family photos. Includes tips for getting good scans, repair cracks or faded photos, and storing the completed digital photos on a CD or using them to create a digital scrapbook or slide show.
Ancestry of Barack Obama
Learn about the deep African and American roots of Barack Obama, US Senator and presidential candidate. His African roots stretch back for generations in Kenya, while his American roots connect to Jefferson Davis.
Free Genealogy Chart - Interactive Ancestral Pedigree Chart That Can be Filled Out in Your Browser
Fill in your family tree and share it right online with this free, four-generation, interactive pedigree chart. It can also be printed and filled in by hand.
Claiming Irish Citizenship
Your Irish parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents may make you eligible for Irish citizenship by descent, giving you the right to apply for an Irish passport.
5 Ways to Chart Family Trees
While tracing your ancestry back as far as possible is fun, it's even better when you can present the findings in a handsome family tree chart. From hand drawn charts to computer generated trees, learn about the different ways to display your family tree.
Genealogical Charts & Forms
The two most commonly used forms used by genealogists to record information on the family tree are the pedigree chart and the family group sheet. Learn how to use these forms in your genealogy research, plus download a free, interactive family group sheet and pedigree chart for your own use.
Common Scottish Surnames - Last Name Meanings, Origins, and Family Trees
Find meanings, orgins, family trees, and search tips for the 100 most common U.S. surnames.
German Vital Records
Research your German ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Germany.
Tracing Your Family Tree
New to researching your family tree? Try this step by step introduction to family tree research and learn more about your ancestors and your roots. Family tree research is easy and fun!
Common Nicknames Used By Our Ancestors - Nicknames & Genealogy
How popular was your name when you were born? Check out the most popular baby names in America for each year from 1880 through 2001.
Convert Videotapes to DVD
Preserve your precious family memories by transferring them from bulky, deteriorating videotapes onto DVDs. This guide walks you step by step through the process, from the necessary hardware and software to capturing and editing your video and burning the results onto DVD.
Scanning Slides
Got stacks of slide carousels loaded up with old family photos? Save these memories for future generations by digitizing and burning them to DVDs.
SMITH Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Smith, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Smith surname.
Common US Surnames & Meanings
List of most common US surnames from the 2000 census, with information on population statistics, plus the meaning and origin for each common us surname.
Personal Ancestral File - PAF 5.1 - Genealogy Software - Free Download
Information on PAF Version 5.1 - the free genealogy software available from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Available for Windows and Macintosh and in multiple languages with the option to download family tree data to your PDA Palm handheld computer.
George Bush Family Tree
Explore the ancestors of Presidents George Bush, his father, George Herbert Walker Bush, and his grandfather Prescott Bush in this extensive family tree. Includes connections to President Harrison Pierce, Senator John Kerry, Princess Diana and other royalty.
JONES Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Jones, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Jones surname.
GARCIA Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Garcia, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Garcia surname.
Common Australian Surnames
List of most common Australian surnames, with information on population statistics, plus the meaning and origin for each common Australian surname.
Searching the SSDI
Learn how to search and use the free US Social Security Death Index to find information on your deceased ancestors. The Social Security Death Index is a database containing names, birth and death dates for over 72 million Americans. Learn how to use the Social Security Death Index and where to search the SSDI online for free.
WILLIAMS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Williams, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Williams surname.
Mexico Genealogy 101
Learn how and where to find birth, marriage and death information and records for people who live or lived in Mexico. Civil registration records in Mexico date back to 1859.
Finding Family Trees Online
Locating information on your family tree is easier than ever with thousands of new records being placed online daily. Learn how to tap the vast resources of the Internet to locate your ancestral roots with these ten simple steps.
MARTIN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Martin, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Martin surname.
Scrapbooking Your Family Hi...
Learn how to use old photos, memorabilia, and memories to create a historical and visual scrapbook of your family history and heritage.
RODRIGUEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Rodriguez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Rodriguez surname.
Australian Vital Records
Research your Australian ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Australia.
ANDERSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Anderson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Anderson surname.
JOHNSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Johnson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Johnson surname.
LOPEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Lopez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Lopez surname.
WALKER Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Walker, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Walker surname.
Free Online Marriage Records
Discover your ancestors in these free online marriage databases and indexes.
Where to Find a Maiden Name
Can't find the maiden name of your female ancestor? These ten records and resources are often good sources for maiden names.
Free Surname / Pedigree Dat...
Search for your family surname and make genealogy connections in these ten, free lineage-linked databases, together containing over 650 million surnames.
Alberta, Canada Vital Records
Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in Alberta, Canada, including the dates for which civil registration records are available in Alberta, where they are located, and links to online Alberta vital records databases.
GEDCOM 101 - What is a GEDCOM and How Do I Use It?
Learn what a GEDCOM file is, how it works, how to create one, how to read one and more
Map Adventures with Google
Plot your ancestors locations and travels on a map and experience a new way of looking at your family history. Google Maps and other free tools make this a fun, easy project for any genealogist.
About Genealogy - Where to Find US Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates and other Vital Records
How and where to get birth certificates, death certificates and other vital records in each of the US states and territories, including free online vital records databases and indexes.
Creating a Family Cookbook
Learn how to turn delicious family recipes and memories into a family cookbook that will be treasured for generations. Includes tips for soliciting recipes, things to include and assembling the cookbook.
WILSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Wilson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Wilson surname.
LEE Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Lee, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Lee surname.
What Does My Last Name Mean?
learn meaning surname ask question surname meaning what does my last name mean
WHITE Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name White, plus find genealogy and family trees for the White surname.
DAVIS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Davis, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Davis surname.
Pennsylvania Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Pennsylvania PA
How to obtain vital records in Pennsylvania (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.
How to Obtain Records of Birth of Children Born Abroad to US Citizen Parents
How to obtain birth records for children born abroad to US citizen parents
CLARK Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Clark, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Clark surname.
Researching German Ancestors
Trace your German roots back to the old country and beyond with the steps outlined in this German genealogy guide. Takes you step by step through the process, from gathering information on your family, to locating your ancestor's German hometown, to accessing vital records, passenger records and church records in Germany.
Ireland Vital Records - How to Obtain Civil Registration Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Ireland
How to obtain vital records in the country of Ireland ( birth, death, marriage or divorce ) including fees, dates, etc.
Free Census Extraction Forms
Free interactive U.S. federal census extraction forms can be completed online right in your browser and then saved locally to your computer or printed. Free census forms are available for the U.S. federal census years 1790 through 1930.
Presidential Family Trees
More than 100 million Americans have family ties to at least one of the 43 U.S. presidents. Are you one of them? Learn how to research your presidential ancestry or find the clue that connects you to a president's family tree.
Genealogy Software Roundup
Tips for choosing a genealogy software program, including genealogy software reviews and ratings of the most popular family tree software options.
Clues in a Genealogy Forum
genealogy message boards
California Vital Records
Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in California, including the dates for which vital records are available, where they are located, and links to online vital records databases.
THOMPSON Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thompson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thompson surname.
WWII Draft Registration Cards
The mandatory draft for World War II left behind records of the millions of American men who registered. From them you can learn
TAYLOR Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Taylor, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Taylor surname.
PEREZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Perez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Perez surname.
Tracing Indian Ancestry
Learn how to research your Native American ancestors with this guide to Indian records, free online databases, and historical timelines and resources. Plus, how to determine if your Indian ancestry qualifies you for membership in the tribe of your Indian ancestors.
BROWN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Brown, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Brown surname.
Texas Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Texas TX
How to obtain vital records in Texas (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.
Genealogy of the Olympic Gods
Explore the complicated family connections of the Greek gods of Mount Olympus, also referred to as the Olympic gods. The genealogies include the family tree of Cronus and Rhea
BLACK - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Black Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Black and browse related Black surname resources.
COX Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Cox, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Cox surname.
MEYER - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Meyer Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Meyer and browse related Meyer surname resources.
Make a Memory Book
Important pieces of a family's history are found only in the memories of the living relatives. Help preserve those precious family memories for posterity by creating a personalized memory book or journal for your relative to complete.
MARTINEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Martinez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Martinez surname.
Old German Script - Kurrent
kurrent script kurrent handwriting old german script
ALLEN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Allen, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Allen surname.
RAMOS - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Ramos Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Ramos and browse related Ramos surname resources.
GEDCOM 101 - How to Create and Share a GEDCOM File
Learn what a GEDCOM file is, how it works, how to create one, how to read one and more
MURPHY Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Murphy, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Murphy surname.
GONZALEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Gonzalez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Gonzales surname.
Successful Family Reunions
Connect with seldom-seen family members, meet new ones and celebrate your heritage with these steps for organizing a memorable family reunion.
HERNANDEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Hernandez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Hernandez surname.
JACKSON Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Jackson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Jackson surname.
SCHMIDT - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Schmidt Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Schmidt and browse related Schmidt surname resources.
WRIGHT Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Wright, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Wright surname.
THOMAS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thomas, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thomas surname.
Researching Famous Ancestors
Am I related to someone famous? A movie star, bank robber, queen, or hero of the Wild West? If you suspect a famous ancestor in your family tree, try these research steps and techniques to help you prove (or disprove) the famous connection
MILLER Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Miller, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Miller surname.
Italian Genealogy Word List
Find English meanings for Italian words and terms commonly found in genealogical documents, including birth, marriage and death records, civil records, military records and census records. Italian genealogical word list includes record types, events, dates, relationships and other important genealogical terms.
BAILEY Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Bailey, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Bailey surname.
German Genealogy Word List
Find English meanings for German words and terms commonly found in genealogical documents in Germany, including birth, marriage and death records, civil records, military records and census records. German genealogical word list includes record types, events, dates, relationships and other important genealogical terms.
MOORE Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Moore, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Moore surname.
DE LUCA - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Deluca Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name De Luca and browse related Deluca surname resources.
Legacy Family Tree 6.0
Read a review of Legacy Family Tree 6.0 genealogy software, including pros and cons, by professional genealogist, Kimberly Powell.
YOUNG Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Young, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Young surname.
Irish Genealogy Databases
Many Web sites offer valuable data for researching Irish ancestry in the form of extractions, transcriptions and digitized images. Try these sites first when researching your Irish family tree.
About Genealogy - How Do I Find a Death Date or Location
A step by step guide to finding your ancestor's death record
ADAMS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Adams, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Adams surname.
RAMIREZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Ramirez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Ramirez surname.
Genealogy Magazines for Fam...
These five genealogy magazines are among the best for keeping you up to date with the latest genealogy news, techniques, tips, reviews, queries and more.
EVANS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Evans, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Evans surname.
ROBERTS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Roberts, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Roberts surname.
KING Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name King, plus find genealogy and family trees for the King surname.
Castle Garden
America's first official immigration center, Castle Garden welcomed over 10 million immigrants to New York from 1830 to 1892, the year Ellis Island opened. Learn about the history of immigration to Castle Garden, and search for your ancestors in the database of passenger lists.
Google Genealogy Style
Learn how to Google as you've never Googled before with these tips for using Google for all aspects of your genealogy search.
BENNETT Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Bennett, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Bennett surname.
Social Security Numbering Scheme - Social Security Numbers by State
Social Security Numbering Scheme   More About Social Security Records • Pt 1: Historical Timeline • Pt
EDWARDS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Edwards, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Edwards surname.
MITCHELL Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Mitchell, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Mitchell surname.
Irish Genealogy 101
Irish genealogy isn't as hard as you may think. Learn how to trace your Irish heritage step by step with this genealogy guide to Ireland.
BELL Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Bell, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Bell surname.
SCOTT Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Scott, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Scott surname.
Maryland Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Maryland
How to obtain vital records in Maryland (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.
ROBINSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Robinson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Robinson surname.
RIVERA Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Rivera, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Rivera surname.
Ohio Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Ohio
How to obtain vital records in Ohio (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.
GREEN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Green, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Green surname.
GOMEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Gomez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Gomez surname.
Romance Through the Ages
Stroll back through the romantic heritage of your ancestors with this timeline of love, marriage, and dating customs throughout history.
CASTILLO - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Castillo Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Castillo and browse related Castillo surname resources.
Family Reunion Activities
Give one of these 10 fun family history activities a try at your next family reunion to get people talking, sharing and having fun.
Explore Genealogy
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