Genealogy: Most Popular Articles

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.

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.

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.

Free 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.

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.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - S
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - S

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - M
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - M

Italian Surname Meanings O...
Uncover the meaning of your Italian last name with this free guide to Italian surname meanings and origins.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - B
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - B

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - C
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - C

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.

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!

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.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - H
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - H

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - A
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - A

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - G
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - G

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - R
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - R

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - D
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - D

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - P
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - P

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - W
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - W

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - L
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - L

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - F
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - F

Irish Surnames
Discover the meaning of your Irish last name, and find where in Ireland these Irish surnames are most commonly found.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - K
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - K

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - T
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - T

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.

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.

Applying for Irish Citizenship and Passports - About Genealogy
If you have Irish ancestry they you may be eligible to claim Irish citizenship. Learn how, step-by-step from About Genealogy.

Genealogy for Beginners - One Stop Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree
Everything you need to get started in genealogy, including how-to articles, tips, free online classes, places to ask for help, charts & forms, genealogy software and more!

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

Best Canadian Genealogy Sites
If you're searching for Canadian ancestors online, these databases and Web sites are the best place to start. Best of all, most are free!

Social Security Number Allocations - Social Security Numbers by State
Social Security Number Allocations Where Was the Social Security Number Issued?   More About Social Security

Family Coats of Arms
Except for a few individual exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a coat of arms for a surname. Learn why the coats of arms you see in the store and on the Internet probably have nothing to do with your family history.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - J
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - J

Fifty Questions for Family ...
What to ask when you get a chance to quiz your relatives about their lives and their family history.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - E
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - E

Mother's Day
Mother's Day guide includes a history of the holiday, coverage of famous mothers, crafts and homemade gift ideas for honoring your own mom, and tips for tracing your female ancestors.

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.

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.

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.

How to Apply for Irish Citizenship by Descent - About Genealogy
Eligibility and documentation requirements for applying to become an Irish citizen and for an Irish passport.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - V
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - V

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.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - N
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - N

Tracing Your Family Tree
New to genealogy? Try this step by step introduction to researching your family tree and learning more about your ancestors and your roots. Genealogy research is easy and fun!

House Histories - Tracing the Genealogy of Your Home
Learn how to trace the history of your home or other building with this step by step guide.

GEDCOM 101 - How to Open and Read a GEDCOM File
Learn how to open and read family tree files saved in GEDCOM format.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - O
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - O

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sphinx
The Sphinx is sometimes used in cemeteries to guard a tomb. Learn more about this neo-Egyptian symbol in this photo gallery of cemetery symbolism

House Histories - Tracing Owners and Previous Occupants of Your Home
Learn more about the history of your home or other building by tracing the owners and former occupants.

Top 10 Genealogy Questions
Interested in researching your family tree? Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked genealogy questions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

German Vital Records
Research your German ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Germany.

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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - Z
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - Z

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.

SMITH - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Smith Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Smith and browse related Smith surname resources.

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

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.

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.

Ellis Island
America's official immigration center from 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island welcomed over 12 million immigrants to New York. Learn about the history of immigration to Ellis Island, and search for your ancestors in the database of Ellis Island passenger lists and manifests.

Australian Vital Records
Research your Australian ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Australia.

GARCIA - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Garcia Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Garcia and browse related Garcia surname resources.

Genealogy Software Roundup
Tips for choosing a genealogy software program, including genealogy software reviews and ratings of the most popular family tree software options.

Submit your Personal Surname Web Site to Genealogy at About
Submit your personal surname site for a link on About Genealogy

WILLIAMS - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Williams Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Williams and browse related Williams surname resources.

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.

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.

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.

JFK Family Tree - Ancestry of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Discover the ancestors and descendants of President John F. Kennedy, as well as other members of the famous Kennedy clan.

JOHNSON - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Johnson Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Johnson and browse related Johnson surname resources.

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.

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.

RODRIGUEZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Rodriguez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Rodriguez and browse related Rodriguez surname resources.

Heraldry 101
Describes the parts of a traditional coat of arms, or achievement, including the colors, divisions, and symbols used to blazon the shield.

PEREZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Perez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Perez and browse related Perez surname resources.

Hatfield and McCoy - The Reunion of the Millennium
The Hatfield and McCoy reunion - famous feuding families want to put the past behind them

Georgia Vital Records
Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in Georgia, including the dates for which vital records are available, where they are located, and links to online Georgia vital records databases.

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.

JONES - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Jones Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Jones and browse related Jones surname resources.

Spanish Genealogy Word List
Find English meanings for Spanish words and terms commonly found in genealogical documents, including birth, marriage and death records, civil records, military records and census records. Spanish genealogical word list includes record types, events, dates, relationships and other important genealogical terms.

Family Tree Maker 2008 Review
Read a review of Family Tree Maker 2008, discussing the pros and cons of its user interface, data entry and management, Internet integration and publishing features.

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.

Michigan Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Michigan
How to obtain vital records in Michigan (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.

Social Security Numbering Scheme - Social Security Numbers by State
Social Security Numbering Scheme   More About Social Security Records • Pt 1: Historical Timeline • Pt

Genealogy of a Town
Learn how to use local history research to uncover the story of the people, places and events that impacted your ancestors daily lives.

Introduction to Genealogy - A Free Online Genealogy Class
Welcome to the Introduction to Genealogy class in the Let's Learn Genealogy forum

Ancestry of Albert Einstein
Learn about the German and Jewish roots of famous scientist and inventor Albert Einstein.

MARTIN - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Martin Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Martin and its variations, and browse related Martin surname resources.

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

LEE - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Lee Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Lee and browse related Lee surname resources.

COX - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Cox Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Cox and browse related Cox surname resources.

Florida Vital Records
Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in Florida, including the dates for which vital records are available, where they are located, and links to online Florida vital records databases.

Presidential Family Trees
More than 100 million Americans have family ties to at least one of the 42 US 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.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - I
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - I

DAVIS - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Davis Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Davis and browse related Davis surname resources.

BROWN - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname BROWN Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Brown and browse related Brown surname resources.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - Y
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - Y

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

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.

MARTINEZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Martinez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Martinez and browse related Martinez surname resources.

Name Meanings - Glossary of Surname Origins - U
Index for the Glossary of Last Name Meanings - U

LOPEZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Lopez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Lopez and browse related Lopez surname resources.

Tennessee Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Tennessee TN
How to obtain Tennessee vital records, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Includes links to free online Tennessee vital records.

HERNANDEZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Hernandez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Hernandez and browse related Hernandez surname resources.

Top 10 Deadliest US Disasters
Every now and then a deadly natural disaster comes along and wipes out a large population within days. These ten deadliest U.S. disasters cost the lives of 100s and 1000s of people, wiped out many important historical and genealogical records, and changed many families forever.

Cleopatra Family Tree - Ancestry of Cleopatra VII Queen of Egypt
How to obtain birth records, marriage records, death records, divorce records, and adoption records in Alabama, including fees, dates, etc.

GONZALES - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Gonzales Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Gonzales and browse related Gonzales surname resources.

Sleeping Child
A carving of a sleeping child is commonly seen decorating children's graves during the Victorian era. Learn more in this photo gallery of cemetery symbolism.

New York Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in New York
How to obtain vital records in New York (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.

Death & Burial Customs
Burial customs and other social rituals surrounding death provide an interesting look at the beliefs, superstitions and traditions of our ancestors.

North Carolina Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in North Carolina
How to obtain vital records in North Carolina (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.

ANDERSON - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Anderson Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Anderson and browse related Anderson surname resources.

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.

Section, Township & Range
Learn how to research in US federal public land records, including the types of land records available, a listing of the public land states, and understanding and platting section, township, and range land descriptions. Includes links to free land record databases on the Web.

Arkansas Vital Records
Learn how and where to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates and records in Arkansas, including the dates for which vital records are available, where they are located, and links to online vital records databases.

Ask A Genealogist at About Genealogy
Submit your genealogy question to Ask a Genealogist and get free advice and answers

Barack Obama Family Tree
The family tree of Barack Obama includes great great great grandparents with the following surnames - Dunham, Stroup, Kearney, Holloway, Armour, Clark, Overall, Payne, Black, Wolfley, Abbott, McCurry, Creekmore, Wright and Allred. Learn more from this Barack Obama family tree.

BENNETT - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Bennett Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Bennett and browse related Bennett surname resources.

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.

Creativity Required: Surname Spellings & Variations - About Genealogy
Learn why your surname is most likely not the same surname your distant ancestors began with.

WILSON - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Wilson Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Wilson and browse related Wilson surname resources.

Celtic Cross
Whether a carved symbol, or the shape of the entire symbol, the Celtic cross is a common sight in cemeteries. Learn more in this photo gallery of cemetery symbolism.

Name Changes at Ellis Island
They changed our name at Ellis Island. Many people have heard that name change story passed down in their family. But is it really true? Learn more about the truth and fiction behind immigrant name changes at Ellis Island.

CLARK - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Clark Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Clark and browse related Clark surname resources.

Laura Ingalls Wilder
Explore the pioneer ancestors of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls and her husband, Almanzo James Wilder. Her large family tree follows the American frontier, from New York and New England west through Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Louisiana Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Louisiana
How to obtain vital records in Louisiana (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.

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.

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.

Ancestry of Martin Luther King
America's 38th president, Gerald Rudolph Ford, was actually born Leslie Lynch King. For those curious about their Ford ancestry, this means that his ancestors were Kings, not Fords. Learn more about the ancestry of the former U.S. president in this genealogy and family tree of Gerald R. Ford.