How to Find Ancestors Based on a Surname
Surnames, or family names, have been used to identify individuals and family units for hundreds of years, ever since groups of people began congregating in the same areas. Surnames commonly appear after the given name, or as the last name, except in Hungary and some Asian countries. Once you know the surnames of some of your ancestors, like your great-grandparents, it is easier to find names based on that surname that are in your family tree.
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Instructions
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Choose whose side of the family tree you will work on first. Make a list of your known relatives, including their full names and any known nicknames, and where they live or lived.
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Download and print genealogy forms such as family group sheets, pedigree charts or family tree charts from the Internet or copy them from genealogy how-to books.
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Fill in the pertinent information that you already know, beginning with yourself (or spouse if you are beginning with his side of the family tree) and working backward. Verify as much of this information as possible with other living relatives; do not just assume it is correct. Ages or approximate ages are also helpful.
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Search federal census records for the surname of the ancestor you are looking for. Census records are usually indexed according to the male head of household, followed by his wife and any children in the household, along with any boarders, servants or workers living in the residence at the time of the census. Census records also tell where a person was born or at least the country and state.
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Search old newspapers for the surname you are looking for. Look for obituaries, marriage announcements, birth announcements and property transfers. Be alert for additional names of ancestors and relatives you are not aware of or children who died young.
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Go to libraries, historical societies and courthouses in the locations where your ancestors lived or check on-line--many newspapers and other genealogical records are now available, some for free.
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Join forums and newsgroups pertaining to genealogy. Other relatives in your family tree may be working on their lines and looking for names at the same time, and you may run into each other. You will be able to share information that will be helpful to both of you.
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Keep accurate records of where you find information on any known or potential ancestor in case you need to verify information or retrace a branch of the family tree if one of the names is not actually related to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Write down any possible variations in spelling of the surname you are searching. Errors in documentation are common in old and handwritten records.
Do not just go with the first record found, or you may find yourself following the wrong branch of the family tree.
