Welcome to the McMahon surname checklist page.

The McMahon Family Tree and Genealogy

Welcome to the McMahon Family page at Surname Finder. Our editors have compiled this checklist of genealogical resources, combining links to commercial databases along with user-contributed information and web sites for the McMahon surname. As vital records, original documents, vintage photographs and surname-based DNA projects are discovered, this page is updated to offer the best list for researching McMahon genealogy.

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I. The McMahon Family Tree

Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the McMahon family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a McMahon brick wall? Read "Tips for Successful Research" for some helpful advice.

II. McMahon Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through McMahon records. Years ago many people were unable to read and write, thus a given ancestor's name could be spelled in a variety of ways depending on who recorded it. If you want to know How can city directories be used to help my McMahon research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building. There are currently count of matching McMahon records matching McMahon records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online McMahon family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

III. Origins of the McMahon Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the McMahon last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your McMahon ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that McMahon is considered a very common surname, which offers its own set of challenges? The article "Researching Common Names" may be helpful for your research. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.

IV. McMahon DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two McMahon 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 McMahon research, read "DNA Research and Your Family's History".

V. McMahon Family History

For most people, just about every aspect of their life has been influenced in some way by their ancestors. Look beyond the names and dates to understand how and why your McMahon ancestors lived and strived to make a better life for their descendants. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "The Role Of History In Genealogical Research" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your McMahon family history.

Photo Collections

VI. Networking with McMahon Researchers

If you are doing genealogy research in a particular town or region distant from where you live, you may want to consider posting a message board query requesting a lookup; often local volunteers or residents are willing to lend a hand, but remember to be specific in your request and be respectful of others' time. The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful McMahon queries.

You may also want to consider posting a query to the Community Message Boards at Genealogy Today to get assistance from other researchers on your most elusive McMahon ancestors.

VII. McMahon Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that McMahon was the 990th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

VIII. Web Sites & Blogs with McMahon Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of McMahon, 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

To have your web site/blog listed on this page, please submit a link to the user-contributed directory at Genealogy Today. Your web page will appear once its content has been reviewed by one of our editors.

IX. Upcoming McMahon Family Reunions

Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong McMahon family history, which provides opportunities to share stories and visit cemeteries or old home sites; you may even want to consider as a one-day activity, having each family take on the task of gathering information from the local courthouse, school district, public library, etc. -- this, of course, requires advance planning and assignment, but could generate considerable interest and results. The article "Planning Details For A Family Reunion" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful McMahon reunion.

 

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

Suggested use: Print a copy of this free research checklist, and keep track of the McMahon genealogy resources that you visit. If your web browser does not print the date on the bottom, remember to record it manually. Today is 23/May/2013.

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