The Carter Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Carter Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Carter family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How common it is for Carter siblings to have the same first name? and you might be surprised at the answer.

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Carter Ancestors

Carter Genealogy

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

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Carter

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

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Carter 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 Carter surname. Were you aware that Carter 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.

Carter DNA Projects

DNA testing for genealogy continues to improve. If you had some of your Carter 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 Carter research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".

Carter Family History

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

Photo Collections

Networking with Carter Researchers

In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Carter 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 "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Carter queries.

Carter Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Carter was the 40th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Carter Research

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

Upcoming Carter Family Reunions

One key to a successful Carter 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 "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Carter reunion.

See Also

Karter   Carder   Sarter   Corter   Cartera   Cartere   Cartero   Carte   MacCarter   McCarter   Arter