Welcome to the Kerns 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 Kerns 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 Kerns ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Kerns Family Tree
Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the Kerns family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a Kerns brick wall? Read "Genealogical Research Habits" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Kerns Ancestors
Kerns Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Kerns 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 Kerns research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Kerns
Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building.
There are currently matching Kerns records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Kerns family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Kerns 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 Kerns surname. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.
Kerns DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Kerns 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 Kerns research, read "Basics of DNA Family History Research".
Kerns Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Kerns 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 Kerns family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Kerns Researchers
In doing genealogy research, we surely don't want to reinvent the wheel; in researching your Kerns 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 Kerns 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 Kerns ancestors.
Kerns Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Kerns was the 1771st most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Kerns Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Kerns, 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 Kerns Family Reunions
One key to a successful Kerns 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 Kerns reunion.
See Also
Kems Keirns Kern Cern Kerm Kem Keirn Kerna Kerne Kerni Kerno McKerns Erns
Surname Finder, The Kerns Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.