Discover the History Behind Your Surname.
Documents the documented history and evolution of surnames over time.
This list shows twenty Irish surnames that have documented anglicized variants, taken from Rev. Patrick Woulfe’s 1923 study of Irish name anglicisation. The examples illustrate the main methods used—phonetic rendering, translation, attraction, assimilation, and substitution—and provide a starting point for further research into each name’s history.
To make a historical record findable and verifiable, you need a citation that identifies the record item, its location in the archive, and, if available, a stable online reference. Follow the National Archives’ guidelines to include the record title, date, file unit, series, subgroup, record group, repository, and any page or image numbers. This article explains why each element matters, how to assemble a complete citation, and what to watch out for when the record is only available online or as a microfilm.
This article lists twelve historical record types—ten from the Genealogy Explained guide and two common additions—that genealogists use to trace surnames. The list is alphabetically ordered and includes brief descriptions and practical research tips.
If a surname does not appear in a published Census surname table, it does not mean the name never existed or that no ancestor was in the census. It usually signals that the name fell outside the publication rules—such as a sample limitation, a 100‑occurrence threshold, a cohort rule, or a suppression for privacy. Understanding these rules helps you decide how to investigate further.