The Avenel Family Tree and Genealogy

I. The Avenel Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Avenel family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How can I distinguish my Avenel ancestor from others of the same name? and you might be surprised at the answer.

II. Avenel Genealogy

Sometimes two people can look at the same handwritten record, and come up with different spellings of the name. Be creative when searching for your Avenel ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. Genealogy is more than just searching through databases. Articles like "Finding Ancestors in County Court Minutes" can help accelerate your Avenel research.

Vital records are essential for family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more reliable. There are currently matching Avenel records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Avenel family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the Avenel Surname

There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Avenel ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.

IV. Avenel DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Avenel ancestors were related, it can easily prove if they weren't. Be sure you understand what types of research issues each different DNA test can address before you spend any money. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Avenel research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".

V. Avenel Family History

There is more to exploring your Avenel ancestry than just gathering a bunch of names and dates. Understanding where your ancestors lived, how they were employed, and what they did for fun, may give you a better appreciation of your heritage. Whether you are a beginner or expert genealogists, knowing Where can I find a biography of my Avenel ancestor? is always useful.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with Avenel Researchers

One of the best ways to solve a genealogy problem is by enlisting the help of others through a message board query that is open to the public, allowing you to cast a wide net that can be accessed by anyone, around the world and around the clock --- at the same time, because it is a public forum, you will want to exercise caution in posting personal information or information about living persons. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Avenel queries.

VII. Avenel Achievements & Celebrities

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with Avenel Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Avenel, contact the folks at ProGenealogists for a free research estimate. You may also find it helpful to read, "When, Why and How to Hire a Professional Genealogist."

RootsWeb search of US Naturalization Records
RootsWeb search of Obituary Daily Times
RootsWeb search of Social Security Death Index

IX. Upcoming Avenel Family Reunions

Family reunions are an ideal time interview older relatives and other Avenel family members; you may want to consider a roundtable where you can gather different groups together at different times such as siblings to discuss their parents and childhood memories, cousins, aunts and uncles to discuss the grandparent generation, etc. - the collective memory and stimulus of shared experience can yield considerable information. The article "A Great Way to Unite a Newly-Found Family" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Avenel reunion.

Source:
Surname Finder, Avenel Surname Checklist [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 1998-2013.