Welcome to the Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Lewis Family Tree
Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the Lewis family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a Lewis brick wall? Read "Efficient and Effective Research Tips" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Lewis Ancestors
Lewis Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Lewis 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 Lewis research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Lewis
Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building.
There are currently matching Lewis records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Lewis family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Lewis 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 Lewis surname. Were you aware that Lewis 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.
Lewis DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Lewis 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 Lewis research, read "DNA Research and Your Family's History".
Lewis Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Lewis 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 Lewis family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis ancestors.
Lewis Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Lewis was the 23rd most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Lewis Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Lewis, 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 LEWIS Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Lewis 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 "Lewis 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 Lewis reunion.
See Also
Lewic Lewys Lewiso Lewi Lewy Levvi Elwi Lewa Lewi McLewis
Surname Finder, The Lewis Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.