Jun 30, 2026

What’s in a name? Well, in South Africa, quite a lot! Surnames carry the stories of ancestors, cultures, and the complex history that shaped this incredible country. Whether your last name is Van der Merwe, Mbatha, Patel, or even Botha, understanding its origin can unlock a treasure trove of genealogical clues....

Jun 27, 2026

Church and civil records are foundational resources for tracing ancestry in South Africa. Before formal civil registration was introduced, church records were the primary means of documenting life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Even after civil registration became common practice, church records offered...

Jun 22, 2026

South Africa has an extraordinary history and a complex blend of cultures, rewarding and challenging genealogical research here. Whether your ancestors were part of the indigenous communities, European settlers, or later immigrants, the journey to uncover your family’s roots in South Africa can lead you through...

Jun 21, 2026

The book is Tracing Your Ancestors Using What They Left Behind: A Guide for Family Historians by Simon Wills.

I had actually planned to offer this book as a giveaway a few weeks ago, but some family things came up, and I was not able to make the change at the time. In the end, that delay worked out for the better...

Jun 19, 2026

Military records can add life, movement, and personal detail to family history research. A census may tell you where an ancestor lived. A marriage record may name a spouse. A deed may show land ownership. A will may identify heirs. Military records can place that same person inside a larger moment in history.

They may...