Family tree lookup is the process of searching historical records and online databases to identify your ancestors, build your family tree, and discover your genealogical connections. You can do this yourself using free and paid websites, or you can hire a professional genealogist to do it for you.
What Is a Family Tree Lookup?
A family tree lookup is a targeted search for information about a specific person or family line. It usually starts with what you know—your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents—and then works backward through time using records like birth certificates, marriage licenses, census returns, and immigration papers. The goal is to document each generation with reliable sources, not just to collect names.
The term is also used for the search tools on genealogy websites. When you type a name into a site like Ancestry, FamilySearch, or MyHeritage, you are performing a family tree lookup. The site then shows you possible matches from its indexed records and from family trees submitted by other users.
How Online Family Tree Lookup Works
Most genealogy websites work in a similar way. You enter a person’s name, approximate birth year, and a location. The site searches its databases and returns a list of record matches, ranked by how closely they fit your criteria.
- Indexed records: These are searchable by name, date, and place. Examples include census records, birth and death indexes, and passenger lists.
- User-submitted trees: Other researchers may have already linked the same person to a family tree. These are often the fastest way to find connections, but they are not always reliable.
- Record images: Some matches are only available as scanned images, which you must read to extract the information.
- Hinting algorithms: Sites like Ancestry and MyHeritage automatically suggest records and other trees that might match people in your tree.
Free sites like FamilySearch (run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and the U.S. National Archives have extensive indexes. Paid sites like Ancestry and MyHeritage offer larger collections, but many records are also available free through local libraries and archives.
How to Start a Family Tree Lookup
Begin with what you already know. Write down the full names, dates, and places for your immediate family. Then interview older relatives—they often have details that are not in any database.
- Gather documents from home: birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, and family Bibles.
- Choose a genealogy website and create a free account. FamilySearch is a good starting point because it is free and has a large collection.
- Enter your parents and grandparents, then search for each one individually.
- When you find a match, attach the record to that person in your tree. Always note where the information came from.
- Work backward one generation at a time. Do not jump to a distant ancestor until you have documented the generations in between.
If you get stuck, try changing the spelling of the surname. Spelling was not standardized until the late 19th century, and census takers often wrote names phonetically.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Family tree lookup is rarely straightforward. Here are the most common issues and what to do about them.
- Common names: If you are searching for “John Smith,” you will get thousands of results. Add a location and a birth year to narrow the list.
- Missing records: Many records were destroyed by fire, flood, or war. The 1890 U.S. census was almost entirely lost. Look for substitute records like tax lists, church registers, or land deeds.
- Name changes: Immigrants often changed their names upon arrival. Search for the original spelling, or use wildcards (e.g., “Schmidt” or “Smit*”).
- Incorrect family trees: Other users’ trees are full of errors. Never copy a connection without checking the original record.
- Privacy restrictions: Most sites restrict access to records of living people. You will only see records for people born more than 100 years ago or who are confirmed deceased.
Free vs. Paid Genealogy Websites
Cost is a major factor in choosing where to do your lookup. Here is a comparison of the main options.
- FamilySearch (free): Run by the LDS Church, it has over a billion records and a large community index. You do not need to be a church member to use it.
- Ancestry (paid): The largest commercial database, with billions of records. It offers a 14-day free trial, but then requires a subscription. Many libraries offer free access to the library edition.
- MyHeritage (paid): Strong for European records and DNA matching. It has a free basic account with limited searches.
- Findmypast (paid): Excellent for British and Irish records, including the 1939 England and Wales Register.
- National and state archives (free): The U.S. National Archives, the UK National Archives, and many state archives have free searchable indexes.
If you are just starting out, use FamilySearch and your local library’s resources before paying for a subscription.
DNA Testing and Family Tree Lookup
DNA tests like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and MyHeritage DNA can help you find relatives and break through brick walls. When you take a test, the company compares your DNA with other customers and shows you a list of genetic cousins.
DNA results are not a family tree. They can tell you that you share a common ancestor with someone, but they will not tell you who that ancestor is. You still need to do traditional record research to figure out the connection. However, DNA can confirm or disprove a paper trail, and it can help you identify biological parents in cases of adoption or unknown parentage.
Be aware that DNA testing has privacy implications. Your genetic information is stored by the company, and law enforcement can sometimes access it. Read the privacy policy before you buy a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is family tree lookup free?
Yes, many resources are free. FamilySearch, the U.S. National Archives, and many state and local archives offer free indexes and images. You can also search free indexes on sites like Find A Grave and the Internet Archive. Paid sites like Ancestry and MyHeritage have free trials, but ongoing access requires a subscription.
How do I find my family tree without paying?
Start with FamilySearch.org. Create a free account and search their collections. Also check your local public library—many libraries subscribe to Ancestry Library Edition, which gives you free access to Ancestry’s records while you are in the library. You can also visit the FamilySearch Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is free and open to the public.
What is the best free family tree site?
FamilySearch is the best free site for records. It has over a billion searchable records and a large community of volunteers who index them. The user interface is not as polished as Ancestry, but the content is comparable for many regions. WikiTree is another free option that focuses on collaborative trees with a single profile per person.
Why can’t I find my ancestor in any database?
There are several reasons. The record may not be indexed yet—many collections are still being digitized. The name may have been spelled differently, or the ancestor may have used a nickname. The record might be in a different country or jurisdiction than you expect. If you have exhausted online sources, try writing to the county clerk or church in the area where your ancestor lived.
Can I hire someone to do a family tree lookup for me?
Yes. Professional genealogists charge by the hour or by the project. The Board for Certification of Genealogists and the Association of Professional Genealogists maintain directories of qualified researchers. A typical research report can cost several hundred dollars, but it will include source citations and a detailed narrative of what was found.
How far back can I trace my family tree?
It depends on your family’s history and the availability of records. Most people can trace back to the early 1800s with census and vital records. With church registers and land records, you may reach the 1600s or 1500s in Europe. A few families can go back to the Middle Ages, but that is rare and usually requires noble ancestry with well-documented lines.
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