Genealogy Glossary
Master the language of family history research with our comprehensive collection of genealogical terms and definitions.
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A
Abstract
An abbreviated transcription of a document that includes the date of the record and every name it contains. May also provide relationships or descriptions of the people mentioned.
Affinity
A relationship created by marriage. It refers to the connection between a person and their spouse's blood relatives, or between a person and their relative's spouse.
Ahnentafel
A German word meaning "ancestor table." This numbering system assigns each ancestor a number, making organization easier. The subject is #1, father #2, mother #3, etc.
Ancestor
A person from whom one is descended, typically more distant than grandparents. Includes parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and earlier generations.
Ancestry
One's family or ethnic descent; the line of people from whom a person is descended. Also refers to the collective ancestors of a family.
Autosomal DNA
DNA inherited from both parents that can help identify relatives within about 5-7 generations. Used in modern DNA testing for genealogy.
B
Banns
Public announcements of an intended marriage, traditionally made in church on three successive Sundays before the wedding ceremony.
Birth Record
An official document recording the birth of a person, typically including name, date, place of birth, and parents' names.
Brick Wall
A genealogical term for a research obstacle where no additional information can be found about an ancestor, creating a dead end in research.
C
Census
An official count and survey of a population, typically including names, ages, occupations, and family relationships. Conducted periodically by governments.
Family Tree
A chart showing family relationships in a tree structure, displaying ancestors, descendants, and collateral relatives.
Genealogy
The study and tracing of family lineages and histories; the practice of researching and documenting family relationships.