Welcome to the Ward 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 Ward 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 Ward ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Ward Family Tree
It is quite possible that someone else has already performed work on a Ward family tree, so be sure to examine some of the sources listed below carefully. Have you struck a Ward brick wall? Read "Soundex Sorts Out Family Names" for some helpful advice.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Ward Ancestors
Ward Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Ward 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 Ward research?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Ward
Historical newspapers give us the ability to discover ancestral history through eyewitness accounts.
There are currently matching Ward records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Ward family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Ward 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 Ward surname. Were you aware that Ward is a common Irish surname? The article "The Luck of the Irish Research" 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.
Ward 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 Ward family tree mysteries. DNA testing can be a useful tool, when applied properly to a given research issue. If you're not sure how DNA testing could aid your Ward research, read "Using DNA to Find Your Surname".
Ward Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Ward ancestors will help paint a picture that can be shared with your relatives. Whether you are a beginner or expert genealogists, knowing How do I find my Ward family history on the Internet? is always useful.
Photo Collections
Networking with Ward 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 Ward 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 Ward ancestors.
Ward Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Ward was the 66th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Ward Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Ward, 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 WARD Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Ward Family Reunions
One key to a successful Ward reunion is preparation, and for the family researcher that means getting the word out in advance on what to bring (such as the family photo collection); arranging for the display of shared information; and planning activities conducive to sharing; and one of the best ways to get others to participate is in bringing something of your own to share such a picture pedigree, compiled family history or biographical sketch, or even a copies of a treasured photo as a gift for each family -- you may even want to consider putting together a reunion newsletter in advance to be distributed at the reunion, asking for help in solving one or more specific family mysteries: you never know who might have insight they are willing to share, one-on-one. The article "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Ward reunion.
See Also
Wart Wartt Word Warda Warde Wardi Wardo Wardy War McWard Ard
Surname Finder, The Ward Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.