CLUES FOR FINDING FEMALES

A family search for females can be more challenging of a task than one can expect. You may have run into this problem a time or two during your research. This month’s Genealogy Society presentation will include profiles of 5 women from different generations. SGS member Cindy Webb will reveal what research path was taken and the ultimate accomplishments. Join us to learn about using the fan approach with “an attitude of flexible planning” to further your family research.

WHAT DOES YOUR SURNAME MEAN?

It’s great to be on a first name basis with those you know, but how did last names come into use? According to a recent FamilyTree article surnames came about as a result of population growth. Whether a surname may have been taken from one’s occupation, physical characteristic, homeland, etc., it can play a significant role in providing clues to genealogy research. Ancestry.com provides a last name meaning search. Simply Enter a surname to learn the name’s origin and meaning. FamilySearch also includes a feature providing similar surname meanings and origins. These utilities are easy to use on both sites while providing interesting details, quick links, and the number of records of that surname in their databases.