French ancestors – An introduction to researching your French genealogy

French genealogy and family history can be a difficult field to navigate – especially when the search has only just begun. If you are interested in learning about your French ancestors, there are a number of helpful online resources readily available.

This Guide introduces some of the main resources for your reference. Please bear in mind there are many more available that focus on specific areas or niche topics. The sites below offer access to a range of records, including census records, civil registration records, and military records, which can provide valuable information about your ancestors.

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How should I begin to search for my French ancestry?

To begin searching for your French ancestry, follow these steps:

1. Gather information: Start by gathering information about your ancestors, including their full names, birth dates, and places of birth, marriage, and death.
2. Search online: Use online genealogy resources such as the French National Archives, Geneanet, and the French Civil Records Database, to search for official records of your ancestors.
3. Check church records: Look for church records, as they often include baptism, marriage, and burial records, which can provide important information about your ancestors.
4. Use census records: Search census records, as they can give you an idea of your ancestors’ place of residence and family composition.
5. Connect with others: Join online genealogy communities or groups focused on French ancestry to connect with others who may have information or be able to offer assistance.
6. Hire a professional genealogist: If you need help locating specific information or navigating the complexities of French genealogy, consider hiring a professional genealogist with experience in French research.

Remember to always verify the information you find, as genealogy can sometimes be challenging, and errors are common.

Are there any unusual factors in French genealogy to be aware of?

Yes, there are a few unusual factors in French genealogy that you should be aware of:

1. Naming conventions: French naming conventions can be complex, as children were traditionally given a baptismal name followed by their father’s surname, and married women took their husband’s surname.
2. Lack of vital records: Some rural areas of France did not have centralized records of births, marriages, and deaths before the 19th century, making it more challenging to find information about your ancestors.
3. Historical events: Historical events such as wars, revolutions, and occupation by foreign powers can disrupt records and make it more difficult to trace your ancestry.
4. Language barriers: Genealogy research in France often requires reading and interpreting old documents written in French, which can be a barrier for those who are not fluent in the language.
5. Unique sources: France has a rich history and culture, and there are many unique sources that can be useful for genealogy research, including notarial records, civil registration records, military records, and tax records.

Overall, it’s important to be aware of these factors and to approach your French genealogy research with patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn about the history and culture of France.

What are the best online sources of information on French ancestors for genealogy research?

There are several online sources of information on French ancestors for genealogy research, including:

1. French National Archives (archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr): The French National Archives offer a wide range of online resources, including census records, civil registration records, military records, and notarial records.
2. Geneanet (geneanet.org): Geneanet is one of the largest online genealogy communities in the world and is particularly useful for researching French ancestry. It has a database of over 1.5 billion records, including census records, civil registration records, and church records.
3. French Civil Records Database (genealogie.com): The French Civil Records Database is a comprehensive database of French civil registration records from 1667 to 1922. It is one of the best sources for finding information about your French ancestors.
4. FamilySearch (familysearch.org): FamilySearch is a free genealogy website that has a large collection of French records, including census records, civil registration records, and church records.
5. Bibliothèque Nationale de France (bnf.fr): The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is the national library of France and has a large collection of historical documents, including maps, books, manuscripts, and photographs.

These online sources can be a great starting point for your French genealogy research, but it’s important to always verify the information you find and to continue your research by consulting additional sources, such as local archives and libraries.

Some further suggestions…

Here are some additional online sources for researching your French ancestry:

1. French Genealogy (frenchgenealogy.com): French Genealogy is a comprehensive online resource for researching French ancestry, with a wealth of information, including articles, databases, and forums.
2. État Civil en ligne (https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N359): État Civil en ligne is an online database of French civil registration records, with records available from 1671 to 1906.
3. FranceGenWeb (francegenweb.org): FranceGenWeb is a network of local genealogy websites for each department in France, with a wealth of information and resources for researching your French ancestors.
4. Généalogie Québec (genealogie.quebec): Généalogie Québec is a French-Canadian genealogy website with a large collection of records for French-Canadian ancestors.

These online resources can help you in your quest to learn more about your French ancestry. Keep in mind that not all records may be available online, and you may need to consult original documents or visit local archives to find all the information you need.

What if my ancestors were French nobility? Where can I find out about them?

If your ancestors were French nobility, you can find information about them through various sources, including:

1. The French National Archives (Archives nationales): This is the main repository for French historical records, including records related to the French nobility. You can find information about your ancestors in the form of census records, civil registration records, and other state-related documents.
2. Historical Society of the French Nobility (Société Historique de la Noblesse Française): This society is dedicated to the study of the French nobility and provides information about specific families, including genealogies and biographical sketches.
3. Geneanet: This is a large online genealogy community that provides access to a wealth of genealogy records, including records related to the French nobility.
4. FamilySearch: This is a free genealogy website that provides access to a large collection of genealogy records, including records related to the French nobility.
5. The French National Library (Bibliothèque nationale de France): This library holds a wealth of historical documents and manuscripts, including genealogical records, family trees, and biographical sketches of the French nobility.

These are just a few of the resources available for finding information about French nobility. It’s a good idea to start your research by exploring these resources and seeing what information is available for your ancestors.

My ancestors emigrated from France to the US, what resources can I use to find out about them?

If your ancestors emigrated from France to the US, there are several resources you can use to find out about them:

1. US Census Records: The US Census Bureau has conducted a census every 10 years since 1790, and these records can provide valuable information about your ancestors, including their names, ages, birthplaces, and occupations.
2. US Naturalization Records: If your ancestors became US citizens, you may be able to find information about them in naturalization records, which can include their full names, dates of arrival in the US, and places of origin in France.
3. Passenger Lists: Passenger lists were compiled for each ship that arrived in the US and can provide information about your ancestors, including their names, ages, and places of origin in France.
4. Online Genealogy Databases: There are many online genealogy databases, such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, which provide access to a wealth of information about individuals and families who emigrated from France to the US.
5. Local Historical Societies and Archives: Local historical societies and archives can provide valuable information about your ancestors, including records of marriages, births, and deaths that may have occurred after they arrived in the US.

These are just a few of the resources available for finding information about French ancestors who emigrated to the US. It’s a good idea to start your research by exploring these resources and seeing what information is available for your ancestors.

Are there records for French soldiers who served in WW1 and WW2 online?

Yes, there are records for French soldiers who served in World War I and World War II online. Some of the resources you can use to find these records include:

1. The French National Archives (Archives nationales): The French National Archives hold records related to the French military, including records of French soldiers who served in World War I and World War II. These records may include service records, pay records, and other military records.
2. The French National Defence Archive (Service historique de la Défense): This archive holds military records for the French military, including records of French soldiers who served in World War I and World War II.
3. Geneanet: This is a large online genealogy community that provides access to a wealth of genealogy records, including records related to the French military, including French soldiers who served in World War I and World War II.
4. Memoires des hommes: This is a French website that provides access to military records for French soldiers who served in World War I and World War II. The site is operated by the French Ministry of Defence.
5. The Great War 1914-1918: This website provides access to a wealth of information about the First World War, including records of French soldiers who served in the conflict.

What are the most useful French words for family history and genealogy and their English translations?

Here are some of the most useful French words for family history and genealogy and their English translations:

Acte de naissance – Birth certificate

Acte de mariage – Marriage certificate

Acte de décès – Death certificate

Registre paroissial – Parish register

Registre civil – Civil register

Recensement – Census

Département – Department

Commune – Municipality

Arrondissement – District

Notre-Dame-des-Fiançailles – Banns of marriage

Acte de baptême – Baptismal certificate

Acte de confirmation – Confirmation certificate

Knowing these terms can help you to better understand the records you encounter and to communicate effectively with other researchers.