How to Refer to Aunts and Uncles: Grand, Not Great
Great-uncle, or grand-uncle? Here's one perspective on the avuncular controversy.
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Same Name for Different People in Old Records Premium
You knew all those search results with the same name were too good to be true. Through this case study, learn how to follow your actual ancestor's record trail and weed out the imposters.
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Decipher the Meaning Behind a Danish Surname
Danish surnames can be tricky. Make sure a record didn't list your ancestor's occupation as part of his name using these tips.
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Your Male Ancestors’ Nicknames Premium
Can't find your male ancestor in a database? This male nicknames list will provide you the clues you need to identify them.
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Name Translation Chart: Compare Names Across Languages Premium
Jumping between US and foreign records? Figure out how your ancestor's name may appear in another language with this name translation chart.
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Can You Claim a Coat of Arms Based on Your Last Name? Premium
Should you hang up your family coat of arms - or show it off? We’ll untangle the myths of heraldry and help you start discovering your armigerous ancestry.
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Free 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms
Sign up for the Family Tree Newsletter and get 10 research forms as a special thanks!
Surnames and the Royal Family: How it Works Premium
Not sure what the surname of the Royal Family is? You're not the only one! Join us for a brief history and explanation of the beloved family's last name.
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Coming Soon: A Royal Wedding and a New Coat of Arms
Will Prince Harry and his new fiancee, American actress Meghan Markle, be granted a conjugal coat of arms? We'll look at heraldry related to royal weddings.
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Your Searchable Guide to Female Ancestor Nicknames Premium
Can't find your female ancestor in a database? This nicknames list will provide you the clues you need to identify them.
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The Issue of Common Surnames
Identifying unknown people in a photograph is always tricky... but add a very common surname to the mix, and it's even hard. Our Photo Detective Maureen A. Taylor is on the case!
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Surnames: Family Search Tips and Surname Origins Free eBook
Surnames are the skeleton key of the genealogy world. Enter them into a search field on Google, Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org or any number of family research sites, and they can unlock discoveries from birth records to gravestones, census records to naturalization papers. But ancestors’ surnames often lead to more questions, too. Try searching for common names […]
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Sorting Similar Surnames in Genealogy Research with DNA Premium
Can DNA testing reveal if a similar surname is connected to your family tree?
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