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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.
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.
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.
Italian Surname Meanings O...
Uncover the meaning of your Italian last name with this free guide to Italian surname meanings and origins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Social Security Numbers
Determine the state in which a Social Security number was issued using the following chart.
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.
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.
Irish Surnames
Discover the meaning of your Irish last name, and find where in Ireland these Irish surnames are most commonly found.
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.
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.
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.
Fifty Questions for Family ...
What to ask when you get a chance to quiz your relatives about their lives and their family history.
GEDCOM 101 - How to Open and Read a GEDCOM File
Learn how to open and read family tree files saved in GEDCOM format.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
German Vital Records
Research your German ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Germany.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bastille Day - A Brief History and Links for this French National Holiday
A history and links to articles for celebrating Bastille Day, the French National Holiday celebrated on July 14th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Family Reunion Locations
From historic spots and family camping to fun resorts and houseboat heaven, browse ideas, locations, and tips to help you choose the ideal site for your next family reunion.
What Does My Last Name Mean?
learn meaning surname ask question surname meaning what does my last name mean
GARCIA Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Garcia, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Garcia surname.
SMITH Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Smith, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Smith surname.
Australian Vital Records
Research your Australian ancestors with this guide to accessing records of birth, marriage and death in Australia.
JONES Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Jones, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Jones surname.
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 Online Marriage Records
Discover your ancestors in these free online marriage databases and indexes.
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.
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.
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
Genealogy Software Roundup
Tips for choosing a genealogy software program, including genealogy software reviews and ratings of the most popular family tree software options.
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.
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.
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.
RODRIGUEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Rodriguez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Rodriguez surname.
Research in the Cemetery
Cemeteries are living lessons in history, with a wealth of information to share about the people who are buried within. Learn how to find a cemetery, record the tombstones and make the most of your visit with this guide to discovering your ancestors in cemeteries.
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.
WILLIAMS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Williams, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Williams 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.
JOHNSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Johnson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Johnson surname.
JACKSON Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Jackson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Jackson 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.
Heritage Quest Online - Cen...
Read a review of the online US census collection available through Heritage Quest Online and learn it stacks up against other online subscription sites offering US census images.
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.
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
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.
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.
Social Security Numbering Scheme - Social Security Numbers by State
Social Security Numbering Scheme   More About Social Security Records • Pt 1: Historical Timeline • Pt
WHITE Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name White, plus find genealogy and family trees for the White surname.
Taking Cemetery Pictures
Use your camera to capture tombstones and cemeteries for posterity with these simple tips on time of day, lighting and enhancing inscriptions.
Family Reunion Location Ideas
From state parks to houseboats, and resorts to ballparks, here are plenty of location ideas to inspire you for your next family reunion.
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.
ANDERSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Anderson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Anderson 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.
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.
MARTIN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Martin, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Martin surname.
BLACK - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Black Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Black and browse related Black surname resources.
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.
Death & Burial Customs
Burial customs and other social rituals surrounding death provide an interesting look at the beliefs, superstitions and traditions of our ancestors.
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.
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.
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!
DAVIS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Davis, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Davis 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.
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
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
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
PEREZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Perez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Perez surname.
MARTINEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Martinez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Martinez 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.
WILSON Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Wilson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Wilson 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.
Old German Script - Kurrent
kurrent script kurrent handwriting old german script
Secretary Hand
secretary hand
About Genealogy - How Do I Find a Death Date or Location
A step by step guide to finding your ancestor's death record
TAYLOR Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Taylor, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Taylor 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.
Introduction to Genealogy - Lesson 1C: Charting Your Course
How to keep track of your genealogy information with pedigree charts and family group sheets
PAF 5.2
Read a review of Personal Ancestral File 5 - PAF - and see how it stacks up against its competition in the genealogy software market. By professional genealogist, Kimberly Powell.
HERNANDEZ Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Hernandez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Hernandez surname.
THOMPSON Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thompson, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thompson surname.
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.
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.
LOPEZ Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Lopez, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Lopez surname.
BROWN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Brown, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Brown 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 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.
EVANS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Evans, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Evans 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.
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.
KING Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name King, plus find genealogy and family trees for the King surname.
CLARK Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Clark, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Clark surname.
Product Review - Generations Family Tree - Genealogy Software
Review of Generations Family Tree by professional genealogist, Kimberly Powell
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.
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.
How to Make a SS-5 Request
Learn how to request and obtain a copy of Form SS-5, Application for Social Security Number, for any deceased individual from the US Social Security Administration. The Social Security Application form includes extensive details about an individual, including name, date and place of birth, parent's names and the applicant's signature.
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.
THOMAS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Thomas, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Thomas surname.
MEYER - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Meyer Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Meyer and browse related Meyer surname resources.
BENNETT - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Bennett Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Bennett and browse related Bennett surname resources.
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.
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.
Introduction to Genealogy - A Free Online Genealogy Class
Welcome to the Introduction to Genealogy class in the Let's Learn Genealogy forum
KHAN Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Khan, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Kahn surname.
MEDINA - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Medina Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Medina and browse related Medina surname resources.
YOUNG Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Young, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Young surname.
Oregon Vital Records - How to Obtain Records of Birth Death Marriage and Divorce in Oregon OR
How to obtain vital records in Oregon (birth, death, marriage, divorce) including fees, dates, addresses, etc.
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.
MOORE Name Meaning
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Moore, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Moore surname.
Anchor
The anchor is a common Christian symbol seen in the cemetery, especially on 18th and 19th century gravestones. Learn more about the meaning of the anchor on a tombstone in this photo gallery of cemetery symbols.
Wheel
Learn what it means when you find a wheel carved into a tombstone at the cemetery, including photos.
ROBERTS Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Roberts, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Roberts surname.
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
SALAZAR - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Salazar Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Salazar and browse related Salazar surname resources.
SANCHEZ - Surname Meaning | Origin for the Surname Sanchez Genealogy
Learn the meaning of the last name Sanchez and browse related Sanchez surname resources.
PATEL Name Meaning | Origin
Learn the meaning and origin of the last name Patel, plus find genealogy and family trees for the Patel surname.
Top 10 Genealogy Databases
Learn which genealogy Web sites and databases provide the most information in return for your time and or money with this guide to the genealogy resources that professional genealogists return to over and over.
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.
Family History Centers 101
Learn how to research your family tree at a Mormon Family History Center near you, with tips for locating a FHC and requesting genealogical records from Salt Lake City.
Digital Scrapbooking 101
Learn how to use your computer to turn your precious family photos into a beautiful scrapbook or album through the art of digital scrapbooking. Going digital instead of the traditional scrapbook route means less money spent on supplies and the ability to print out multiple copies of your beautiful scrapbook layouts.

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