Welcome to the Phillips 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 Phillips 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 Phillips ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Phillips Family Tree
It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Phillips family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Phillips brick wall? Read "Genealogy's Most Popular Disbeliefs" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Phillips Ancestors
Phillips Genealogy
Many things can go wrong when a record collection is indexed. If you're having diffculty finding Phillips ancestors in a particular database at one site, try finding it on another and compare the results. If you want to know How do I find my Phillips family in the census?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Phillips
Historical newspapers give us the ability to discover ancestral history through eyewitness accounts.
There are currently matching Phillips records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Phillips family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Phillips Surname
It is quite possible for two people with the Phillips last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Phillips ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that Phillips 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.
Phillips DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Phillips 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 Phillips research, read "When do you use DNA?".
Phillips 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 Phillips 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 Phillips family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Phillips 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 "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Phillips 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 Phillips ancestors.
Phillips Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Phillips was the 45th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Phillips Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Phillips, 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 Phillips Family Reunions
Whenever possible, consider holding the family reunion in place where you have a strong Phillips 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 "Planning Details For A Family Reunion" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Phillips reunion.
See Also
Philips Fillips Phillipse Phillipso Phillip Philip Phillib Fillip Phillipe Phillipi Phillipo Phillipy McPhillips
Surname Finder, The Phillips Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.