The Barnes Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Barnes Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Barnes family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How can I find the second married name of a female Barnes ancestor? and you might be surprised at the answer.

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Barnes Ancestors

Barnes Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Barnes 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 Barnes research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Barnes

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 Barnes records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Barnes family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Barnes Surname

While some countries have limited historical records for last name assignments, you are most likely to only find general guidance on the origin and meaning of the Barnes surname. Were you aware that Barnes 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.

According to An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names [page 63], the surname BARNES is defined as A distinguished family of Sotterly, Co. Suffolk, England. Bearn, local, a cit in France. Barnyz, Cor. Br., a judge.

Barnes DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Barnes 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 Barnes research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".

Barnes Family History

There is more to exploring your Barnes 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 Barnes ancestor? is always useful.

Photo Collections

Networking with Barnes Researchers

When you've come up against a brick wall in your genealogy research, posting a message board query can help; one of the biggest benefits is that message board queries are accessed through search engines, which means even someone not specifically engaged in genealogy but interested in your subject may find your query and bring valuable new information to the table -- it happens! The article "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Barnes queries.

Barnes Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Barnes was the 79th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Barnes Research

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

Recently Discovered BARNES Clippings and Mentions

Upcoming Barnes Family Reunions

Notifying everyone in advance to bring old photos and documents can bring big rewards, making a special place at the reunion (maybe even a special Barnes booth) where people can come at their leisure to sit, look and chat; in addition to information and clues that might be written on the back of a photo, every photograph has a story and serves as an excellent stimulus to recall -- people might comment not only on the people in the photo, but also on what's in the background, or they might have information around where the photo was taken or the event -- just be sure to have someone there to capture new information. The article "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Barnes reunion.

See Also

Parnes   Barnec   Bames   Barnesc   Bornes   Barneso   Barne   Parne   Barme   Bame   Borne   Barna   Barni   Barno   Barnu   Barny   McBarnes   Arnes