Surname Genealogy Strategies: My Favorite (and Least Favorite) Last Names to Research
What's the most annoying last name to research in your family tree? Not the ancestor or relative whose name it is, but the name itself. Mine are: Frost, because searching the web or old newspapers and books brings up weather reports. It's also among the more-common names in my...
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Researching Unusual Last Names for Genealogy Premium
An unusual surname is a valuable tool for a genealogist. Discover six strategies to use oddball names in your tree to your greatest advantage.
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Searching Ancestors with Changed Names Premium
Find tips to tracking down ancestors who may have legally changed their names.
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Scandinavian Genealogy: Chart of Patronymic Surname Suffixes in Norway, Sweden and Denmark
Patronymic surnames (formed by adding a prefix or suffix to the first name of a child's father) exist in many countries, but the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark are perhaps best known for their patronymic naming systems. On the plus side, patronyms give you clues to a father's...
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Understanding German Language and Surnames Premium
Deutsch nicht sprechen? No problem! We reveal some common naming practices that can help in researching your German ancestors.
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What Does Your Last Name Mean? How to Find Out
Our Unpuzzling Ancestral Names Value Pack made me curious about my family surnames and whether things I heard growing up about where a name is from or what it means are true. Here's how I checked out a few of the names I'm researching: Haddad: My maiden name, inherited...
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Free 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms
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Case Study: Researching Common Surnames Online Premium
Follow along as our online genealogy expert uses smart web searching strategies to research an ancestor with a common name.
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Using DNA Matches with a Surname Project Premium
Think you’re at the end of your genealogical rope? Here are six ways a DNA surname study can go beyond paper research to help you trace your family tree.
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Now What?: Finding Surname Origins Premium
Tips for discovering the origins and meaning of your last name.
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Popular Historical Female Names Premium
Knowing popular given names of a particular period can help you identify your ancestor in databases, indexes and records.
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10 Records for Finding Maiden Names Premium
Every family has at least one: a female ancestor whose maiden name you just can’t find. Learn how to use these 10 record types to finally track down elusive maiden names in your family tree.
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DNA Q&A: Unsure About Joining a Surname Study Premium
Learn more about joining a surname study and the effects DNA non-paternity events on last names.
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