Saturday, February 28, 2015

Welsh Family History

A second set of books [first and second edition] by the Rowlands is named: "Welsh Family History, A Guide To Research". 


A number of other folks join the Rowlands [contributing authors], and present a broad series of topics that are helpful to the genealogist seeking their Welsh roots.  It was published in 1998 [first edition 1993] by the Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, MD.  Helping you understand a wider historical context to finding your Welsh ancestors it is.

Monday, February 9, 2015

The Surnames of Wales

Often time one ask...where did that surname come?  Many of us on this side of the great pond (USA) have asked this question.   "The Surnames of Wales" offers a source to check if it be from Wales.


The authors state: "...it is the purpose of this book to provide the reader with a detailed insight into the origins and occurrence of the more common surnames within Wales, together with some consideration of those which have established something of a presence at the regional or more local level." (p.4)  They begin this account after 1800.  The appendix section (A-C) provide helpful information regarding surnames by "Parishes" and "Hundreds" (Appendix A), surnames derived from various sources [eg. Old Testament, etc.] (Appendix B), and a offer for a limited service to enquirers (Appendix C).  A "Surname Index" ends the book.  This index can provide a quick answer to a surname question.

The book is published by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, MD.  It was first published in 1996.  A helpful book it is.