Welcome to the Parker 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 Parker 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 Parker ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Parker Family Tree
It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Parker family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Parker brick wall? Read "Genealogy's Most Popular Disbeliefs" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Parker Ancestors
Parker Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Parker 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 city directories be used to help my Parker research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Parker
Historical newspapers give us the ability to discover ancestral history through eyewitness accounts.
There are currently matching Parker records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Parker family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Parker 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 Parker surname. Were you aware that Parker 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.
Parker DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Parker 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 Parker research, read "Utilizing DNA in Family History Research".
Parker Family History
There is more to exploring your Parker 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. Whether you are a beginner or expert genealogists, knowing Where can I find a biography of my Parker ancestor? is always useful.
Photo Collections
Networking with Parker Researchers
When digging deeper into your ancestor's occupation, a great way to connect with others of a similar interest -- many who might have detailed information, is by posting a message board query giving clear information as to your ancestor's name and the specific occupation or organization, in time and place. The article "Are Your Queries Getting Results?" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Parker 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 Parker ancestors.
Parker Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Parker was the 47th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Parker Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Parker, 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 PARKER Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Parker Family Reunions
Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong Parker 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 "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Parker reunion.
See Also
Surname Finder, The Parker Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.
