The Surnames Handbook : A Guide to Family Name Research in the 21st Century

Every surname has its own story to tell, and a surname study is a natural complement to family history research. The study of surnames has been revolutionised in the last decade with the increasing availability of online resources, and it is now easier than ever before to explore the history, evolution, distribution and meaning of your family name. The Surnames Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to researching your surname using genealogical methods in conjunction with the latest advances in DNA testing and surname mapping. The book explores the key resources that are used to study a surname and is packed with links to relevant websites giving you everything you need to research your surname in one compact volume. DEBBIE KENNETT, an editor and genealogist, has been researching her family tree for over a decade. She is the founder of the Cruse/Cruwys one-name study and runs three large international DNA projects. She writes for many family history magazines. Her first book DNA and Social Networking is also published by The History Press. 'I believe this handbook, which is a significant contribution to our understanding in this field, deserves not only our admiration and gratitude, but also a place on our bookshelves.' Derek A. Palgrave #8211; President of the Guild of One-Name Studies Surname research is an important part of family history involving the discovery of the origins, changes and meaning of your family name. Surnames have always been a source of fascination for family historians, but the definitions provided in surname dictionaries are often woefully inadequate. The explosion of internet sources in the last decade has made the study of surnames an easier proposition than ever before, and new developments in genetic genealogy area advancing our knowledge and understanding of surnames. This book provides a comprehensive guide to researching your surname. It will ta