Welcome to the Orton 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 Orton 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 Orton ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Orton Family Tree
Everyone has different reasons for building a family tree; your personal motiviation will influence whether the Orton family tree has more depth or breadth. Have you struck a Orton brick wall? Read "Know Where to Begin Your Genealogical Search" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Orton Ancestors
Orton Genealogy
Sometimes two people can look at the same handwritten record, and come up with different spellings of the name. Be creative when searching for your Orton ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. If you want to know Why can't I find Orton my ancestor in the SSDI?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Orton
Census records are among the most useful records available for family tree building.
There are currently matching Orton records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Orton family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Orton 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 Orton surname. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.
Orton DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Orton 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 Orton research, read "DNA Research and Your Family's History".
Orton 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 Orton 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 "The Role Of History In Genealogical Research" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Orton family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Orton 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 "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Orton 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 Orton ancestors.
Orton Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Orton was the 4958th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Orton Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Orton, 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 ORTON Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Orton Family Reunions
Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong Orton 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 Orton reunion.
See Also
Surname Finder, The Orton Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.