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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.
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.
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 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.
Family Thanksgiving Traditions
Traditions are a big part of the Thanksgiving holiday, and every American family has their own way of celebrating. Yet these five Thanksgiving traditions are a popular favorite.
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.
Italian Surname Meanings O...
Uncover the meaning of your Italian last name with this free guide to Italian surname meanings and origins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fifty Questions for Family ...
What to ask when you get a chance to quiz your relatives about their lives and their family history.
Irish Surnames
Discover the meaning of your Irish last name, and find where in Ireland these Irish surnames are most commonly found.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Social Security Numbers
Determine the state in which a Social Security number was issued using the following chart.
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.
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.
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 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.
Ancestry of Oprah Winfrey
Learn about the deep African roots of television celebrity Oprah Winfrey. Her African roots stretch back to slavery in Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and other parts of the southeastern U.S.
GEDCOM 101 - How to Open and Read a GEDCOM File
Learn how to open and read family tree files saved in GEDCOM format.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
German Vital Records
Research your German ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Germany.
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.
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 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.
SMITH Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Smith, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Smith surname.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common Australian Surnames
List of most common Australian surnames, with information on population statistics, plus the meaning and origin for each common Australian surname.
Australian Vital Records
Research your Australian ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Australia.
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.
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.
GARCIA Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Garcia, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Garcia surname.
Death Records Online
Because death records are the least privacy-sensitive of the vital records of birth, marriage and death, you actually have a decent chance of finding death information for your ancestor online. Check this list for some of the best sites for death certificates and obituary notices online.
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
10 Tips for Great Interviews
The next time you're conducting an oral history interview, try these tips for making the conversation flow and getting the family stories that will be treasured forever.
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.
Kennedy Family Tree - Descendants of Jospeh Patrick Kennedy & Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Discover the ancestors and descendants of President John F. Kennedy, as well as other members of the famous Kennedy clan.
RODRIGUEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Rodriguez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Rodriguez surname.
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.
Family Medical History
Learning about your family's medical and health history is an important step in determining your genetic predisposition to certain health conditions and diseases. Learn how to research your medical history, which medical conditions are important to track, and where to get forms to record your findings.
Interview a Relative
Step-by-step tools and ideas to get you started interviewing your relatives. You will probably be surprised at the stories they can tell.
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.
JONES Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Jones, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Jones 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.
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.
What Does My Last Name Mean?
learn meaning surname ask question surname meaning what does my last name mean
FamilySearch Record Search
Free genealogy records online at FamilySearch Record Search include more than 600 million names in 136 collections from countries all over the world. Available records include a mix of indexes and digital document images.
BROWN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Brown, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Brown 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
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.
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.
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.
ANDERSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Anderson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Anderson surname.
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.
CLARK Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Clark, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Clark 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.
Romance Through the Ages
Stroll back through the romantic heritage of your ancestors with this timeline of love, marriage, and dating customs throughout history.
DAVIS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Davis, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Davis surname.
Free Online Marriage Records
Discover your ancestors in these free online marriage databases and indexes.
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.
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.
Ancestry of Albert Einstein
Learn about the German and Jewish roots of famous scientist and inventor Albert Einstein.
WHITE Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name White, plus find genealogy and family trees for the White surname.
HERNANDEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Hernandez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Hernandez surname.
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.
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.
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.
PEREZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Perez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Perez surname.
Family Tree Lesson Plans
Lesson plans and ideas to help you use family history in your classroom to teach not only history - but also language arts - writing - math - geography - and even science.
WALKER Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Walker, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Walker surname.
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.
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.
MARTINEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Martinez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Martinez surname.
MILLER Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Miller, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Miller 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.
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.
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
TAYLOR Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Taylor, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Taylor surname.
THOMPSON Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thompson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thompson surname.
WILSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Wilson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Wilson surname.
Death & Burial Customs
Burial customs and other social rituals surrounding death provide an interesting look at the beliefs, superstitions and traditions of our ancestors.
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.
British Genealogy Databases
top 10 databases for british genealogy research
SCHMIDT - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Schmidt Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Schmidt and browse related Schmidt 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.
MOORE Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Moore, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Moore 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.
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
Dawes Rolls
Final Rolls, often called Dawes Rolls, are lists of people accepted between 1898 and 1914 by the Dawes Commission as members of these five civilized Indian tribes - Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole. Learn how to search and use the Dawes Rolls online to research your Native American ancestors.
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.
THOMAS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thomas, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thomas surname.
BENNETT Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Bennett, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Bennett surname.
ALLEN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Allen, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Allen 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.
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.
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.
BLACK - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Black Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Black and browse related Black surname resources.
About Genealogy - How Do I Find a Death Date or Location
A step by step guide to finding your ancestor's death record
WWI Draft Registration Records
Draft records contain a wealth of information on millions of men between the ages of 16 and about 45. The WWI draft registration records are by far the biggest group of such draft records in the U.S., containing names, ages, and dates and place of birth for more than 24 million men.
LOPEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Lopez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Lopez surname.
TORRES Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Torres, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Torres surname.
EVANS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Evans, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Evans surname.
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.
Family Tree Gift Ideas
Turn your genealogy discoveries into special family gifts with these family tree project ideas.
MURPHY Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Murphy, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Murphy surname.
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.
SCOTT Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Scott, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Scott surname.
Old German Script - Kurrent
kurrent script kurrent handwriting old german script
MITCHELL Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Mitchell, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Mitchell surname.
YOUNG Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Young, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Young surname.
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
MEYER - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Meyer Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Meyer and browse related Meyer 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.
ADAMS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Adams, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Adams surname.
Haunted Cemeteries
Haunted cemeteries in the United States and around the world. Discover haunted gravestones, ghostly spirits, and ominous precursors of doom in some of the world's most haunted cemeteries and graveyards.
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.
GOMEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Gomez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Gomez 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 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!
SCHNEIDER - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Schneider Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Schneider and browse related Schneider surname resources.
BELL Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Bell, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Bell surname.
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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