Last Name Origin - Tracing Your Family

You probably have an idea about your last name origin. Your parents and grandparents recited stories of your families' emigration. You may have only had a brief recollection of these stories; but now you think that it's time to thoroughly trace the origins of your ancestors and record their names and stories for future generations. But where do you start? Your task is to uncover those bits of information, one name at a time, so future generations can recognize your family's heritage and the lives they led so long ago.

Understanding our surname origin helps us get a glimpse into the challenges that our family members have endured throughout history. You've thought that the internet might be the place to start your research. However, I recommend that you start by using the Family Bible, photo albums and scrapbooks that your Grandmother had in her living room bookcase. Carefully review any of these books and document each generation. Record everything you can. Be sure to record the source of each piece of information that you collect. I use the software package Family Tree Maker to document and organize my information. I have always found this software to be very easy to use and it helps me track thousands of ancestors and extended family members. If you would like to learn more about this software click here to see my review of Family Tree Maker.

The internet makes researching your family's origins easier than ever. Books, articles and websites will help you discover the journey your ancestors took. During your family tree research you'll see that some families originate and remain in the same county for many generations. Other branches of your family traveled the globe. Many were seeking a better way of life for their children and their grandchildren. Whatever the case follow the leads as far as you can. Be sure to:

Identify the ship that your family emigrated on. Many ship's passenger lists are available to search online;
If your family entered a new country, search that government's website for family names and origins in their immigration records;
If your family was religious, check Church records for visitor's names and out of town family members and where they originate;
Check the census information to see if your surname was recorded on a particular census. The country of origin of each family member was recorded for most residents.

Take the time to research and understand your ancestors' origin and try to gain an insight into their tenacity and perseverance.

The links on this page will help you study the history of your ancestors. The stories that you uncover will also help future generations appreciate their surname heritage. I've only discussed a couple of possible sources of information to identify your surname origins. Be sure to check through all of the family scrapbooks and photo albums for possible clues to your origins and where your families originate. Contact all of your relatives. One of them might have a story, newspaper clipping or even county register that might provide that all important clue that you need to uncover your surname's origin.

Using websites to research the origins of your last name can bring new meaning to your family tree. Uncovering the origin of the surname for each of your ancestors will provide valuable stories that you can document and preserve for future generations. This information and the stories you uncover can shape your family tree.

For more information, visit Last Name Origins.

About The Author:

Richard Kearns is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.all-about-family-trees.com.