Welcome to the O'Boyle 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 O'Boyle 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 O'Boyle ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The O'Boyle Family Tree
Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the O'Boyle family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a O'Boyle brick wall? Read "Know Where to Begin Your Genealogical Search" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering O'Boyle Ancestors
Patronymics is the practice of naming children using the given name of the father, grandfather, or other male ancestor preceeded by a prefix. In the case of O'Boyle, it is possible that one of your Gaelic/Irish ancestors was given the patronym for being the "son of Boyle." Please read "Patronymics and Other Naming Patterns" and "Patronymics: Help Not Hindrance," for further details.
O'Boyle Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through O'Boyle 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 find information on O'Boyle ancestors born in the twentieth century?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for O'Boyle
Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building.
There are currently matching O'Boyle records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online O'Boyle family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the O'Boyle Surname
It is quite possible for two people with the O'Boyle last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your O'Boyle ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.
O'Boyle DNA Projects
Don't believe the hype! When DNA testing was first made available for genealogical purposes, some companies boasted how it could solve all your O'Boyle family tree mysteries. DNA testing can be a useful tool, when applied properly to a given research issue. If you are seeking an answer to the question, How do I know which DNA test is right for O'Boyle research?, then this FAQ may help.
O'Boyle Family History
For most people, just about every aspect of their life has been influenced in some way by their ancestors. Look beyond the names and dates to understand how and why your O'Boyle ancestors lived and strived to make a better life for their descendants. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Looking at Our Ancestors" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your O'Boyle family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with O'Boyle Researchers
In the course of genealogy research, collaboration is key -- we really cannot do it alone, and one of the great benefits of participating in community message boards is building relationships that not only enlightens our research but strengthens bonds across the miles. The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful O'Boyle 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 O'Boyle ancestors.
O'Boyle Achievements & Celebrities
Web Sites & Blogs with O'Boyle Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of O'Boyle, 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 O'Boyle Family Reunions
Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong O'Boyle family history, which provides opportunities to share stories and visit cemeteries or old home sites; you may even want to consider as a one-day activity, having each family take on the task of gathering information from the local courthouse, school district, public library, etc. -- this, of course, requires advance planning and assignment, but could generate considerable interest and results. The article "Family Reunions Don't Always Turn Out as one has Pictured" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful O'Boyle reunion.
See Also
Surname Finder, The O'Boyle Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.
