The Arnold Genealogy and Family Tree Page

The Arnold Family Tree

It is important to remember that there is no single Arnold family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How can I distinguish my Arnold ancestor from others of the same name? and you might be surprised at the answer.

Best Tree Collections for Discovering Arnold Ancestors

Arnold 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 Arnold ancestors -- we often search for misspellings intentionally to see if we missed any records. If you want to know Why can't I find Arnold my ancestor in the SSDI?, then read this frequently asked question.

Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Arnold

Vital records are essential for family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more reliable. There are currently matching Arnold records at Ancestry.com! Start exploring this online Arnold family history resource today.

Death Records

Military Records

Origins of the Arnold Surname

It is quite possible for two people with the Arnold last name to have been given that surname for entirely different reasons. Discovering the country from which your Arnold ancestors originated can often yield additional clues for the meaning of the surname. Were you aware that Arnold 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.

According to An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names [page 55], the surname ARNOLD is defined as The same as Ernold, from are or ehre, honor, and hole, faithful or devoted to -- faithful to his honor.

Arnold DNA Projects

While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Arnold 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 Arnold research, read "DNA Research and Your Family's History".

Arnold 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 Arnold 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 Arnold family history.

Photo Collections

Networking with Arnold Researchers

One of the best ways to solve a genealogy problem is by enlisting the help of others through a message board query that is open to the public, allowing you to cast a wide net that can be accessed by anyone, around the world and around the clock --- at the same time, because it is a public forum, you will want to exercise caution in posting personal information or information about living persons. The article "Looking for John Smith - Focusing a Query" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Arnold queries.

Arnold Achievements & Celebrities

Did you know that Arnold was the 170th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?

Web Sites & Blogs with Arnold Research

If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Arnold, 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

Upcoming Arnold Family Reunions

Family reunions are an ideal time interview older relatives and other Arnold family members; you may want to consider a roundtable where you can gather different groups together at different times such as siblings to discuss their parents and childhood memories, cousins, aunts and uncles to discuss the grandparent generation, etc. - the collective memory and stimulus of shared experience can yield considerable information. The article "Reunions: Beyond Aunt Pat's Rhubarb Pie and Aunt Edna's Wet Kisses" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Arnold reunion.

See Also

Arnolt   Armold   Arnald   Arnolda   Arnoldi   Arnoldy   Arnol