How to Trace the Ancestry of Surnames

Old documents may reveal valuable information.

There is an immense world of information hidden behind a surname. Though the stories behind your name can be interesting, uncovering the facts does require extensive research. Today, it is easier to discover the facts behind your name than it was a century ago. Research is simplified by the various online resources, so you don't have to spend as much time researching in libraries and local archives.

Instructions

1. Speak with relatives about your family's history. Relatives generally have a great deal of insight about the topic, especially the older members of your family. Ask your relatives if they know anything about your surname. Ask about any additional surnames that have been used in your family. Take note of important information in a notebook for future reference.

2. Read old letters, which may provide valuable information about your family's history. Ask relatives about old letters which may be kept by family members.

3. Visit a library and view the archives of historical information. Many libraries have old newspapers and books related to genealogy and local history. One library to visit would be The Allen County Public Library in Allen County, Ind. This library houses the second largest index of genealogy related material in the United States.

4. Research your ancestry online. One website to trace the origins of surnames is Family Search (see Resources). It allows you to search census records as well as marriage, birth and death certificates by surname.

5. Search through the government's naturalization records, which may yield positive results. Naturalization is when an immigrant becomes a legal United States citizen. By searching through the naturalization records, you may gain some insight about the country from which your surname originated.

References

• Allen County Public Library

Resources

• Family Search
• Naturalization Records