The Kelly Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Kelly Family Tree

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

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Kelly Ancestors

Kelly Genealogy

Keep an open mind when searching through Kelly 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 I locate old newspapers for Kelly research?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Kelly

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

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Kelly Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the Kelly last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Kelly ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that Kelly 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.

Kelly DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Kelly 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 Kelly research, read "When do you use DNA?".

Kelly Family History

There is more to exploring your Kelly 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. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Estate Records and Files" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Kelly family history.

Photo Collections

Networking with Kelly Researchers

In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Kelly 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 Kelly queries.

Kelly Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Kelly was the 74th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Kelly Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Kelly, 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 KELLY Clippings and Mentions

Upcoming Kelly Family Reunions

One key to a successful Kelly 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 Kelly reunion.

See Also

Kely   Celly   Kelli   Keilly   Kelley   Kella   Kello   Kellu   Kell   McKelly   O'Kelly   Elly