Welcome to the Campbell Family page at Surname Finder, a service of Genealogy Today. Our editors have compiled this checklist of genealogical resources, combining links to commercial databases along with user-contributed information and web sites for the Campbell surname. As additional sources for vital records, original documents, vintage photographs and surname-based DNA projects are discovered, this page is updated to offer the best list for researching Campbell ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Campbell Family Tree
It is important to remember that there is no single Campbell family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How common it is for Campbell siblings to have the same first name? and you might be surprised at the answer.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Campbell Ancestors
Campbell Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Campbell 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 Campbell research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Campbell
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 Campbell records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Campbell family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Campbell Surname
It is quite possible for two people with the Campbell last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Campbell ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that Campbell is a common Irish surname? The article "The Luck of the Irish Research" 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.
Campbell DNA Projects
DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Campbell relatives tested several years ago, it may be worthwhile to have them retested. Likewise, as DNA testing companies have gathered more results and samples, you may be able to find more matches if you search again with your test results. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Campbell research, read "Using DNA to Find Your Surname".
Campbell Family History
There is more to exploring your Campbell 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 How can I find out if my Campbell ancestor was an indentured servant? is always useful.
Photo Collections
Networking with Campbell Researchers
In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Campbell surname, posting a message query can help you connect with distant cousins and others who may be working on the same lines, some of whom may have advanced the research or solved some of the hard problems, but are willing to share. The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Campbell 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 Campbell ancestors.
Campbell Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Campbell was the 46th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Campbell Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Campbell, 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 recommend your web site/blog for inclusion on this page, please submit a link to the user-contributed directory at Genealogy Today. Your web page may appear once its content has been reviewed by our editors.
Upcoming Campbell Family Reunions
One key to a successful Campbell reunion is preparation, and for the family researcher that means getting the word out in advance on what to bring (such as the family photo collection); arranging for the display of shared information; and planning activities conducive to sharing; and one of the best ways to get others to participate is in bringing something of your own to share such a picture pedigree, compiled family history or biographical sketch, or even a copies of a treasured photo as a gift for each family -- you may even want to consider putting together a reunion newsletter in advance to be distributed at the reunion, asking for help in solving one or more specific family mysteries: you never know who might have insight they are willing to share, one-on-one. The article "Planning Details For A Family Reunion" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Campbell reunion.
See Also
Campbel Campbelle Campbel McCampbell
Surname Finder, The Campbell Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.