Category: Names

Searching Ancestors with Changed Names Premium

Find tips to tracking down ancestors who may have legally changed their names.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

Free 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms

Now What?: Finding Surname Origins Premium

Tips for discovering the origins and meaning of your last name.

Popular Historical Female Names Premium

Knowing popular given names of a particular period can help you identify your ancestor in databases, indexes and records.

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.