Welcome to the Davis 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 Davis 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 Davis ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Davis Family Tree
It is important to remember that there is no single Davis family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How do I begin my Davis family tree? and you might be surprised at the answer.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Davis Ancestors
Davis Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Davis 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 Davis research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Davis
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 Davis records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Davis family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Davis 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 Davis surname. Were you aware that Davis 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.
Davis DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Davis 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 Davis research, read "DNA Research and Your Family's History".
Davis Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Davis ancestors will help paint a picture that can be shared with your relatives. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Faddish First Names" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Davis family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Davis Researchers
When it comes families and genealogy research, it's important to remember that different people may have different information: some may even have inherited one-of-a-kind family documents or photos, and the best way to connect with these family members is by posting a message board query -- often in the process of collaboration, you can build a more complete picture of your ancestor or ancestral family. The article "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Davis 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 Davis ancestors.
Davis Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Davis was the 6th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Davis Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Davis, 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.
Recently Discovered DAVIS Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Davis Family Reunions
Pedigree charts and family group records are important genealogical tools, so bringing or creating on site a big family pedigree (or family tree) is sure to draw attention; at the same time, have plenty of blank family group sheets available for individual families to complete and submit to go into a "Davis family record book," which you can then digitize and share -- you can then bring the physical book back to the next reunion, adding new families each time. The article "Family Reunions Don't Always Turn Out as one has Pictured" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Davis reunion.
See Also
Tavis Davic Dovis Divis Devis Davise Daviso Davi Tavi Davy Davee Dovi Divi Devi Dava Davi Davo McDavis Avis
Surname Finder, The Davis Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.