Family History

It is an ancient tradition: Humans have been obsessed with their roots for thousands of years. In many cultures, knowing your “begats” was a matter of survival, used to prove everything from land rights to royal succession. The longest documented family tree in the world belongs to the philosopher Confucius; it spans over 80 generations and more than 2,500 years!

The “Double” Effect: Have you ever stopped to think about the math involved in your existence? You have two parents, four grandparents, and eight great-grandparents. Every time you go back a single generation, the number of your ancestors doubles. By the time you reach ten generations back (roughly 250 to 300 years ago), you have over 1,000 direct ancestors who all had to survive and meet for you to be here today.

A Worldwide Connection: If you are researching American roots, you might be looking for a link to the Mayflower. Even though only 102 passengers were on that ship in 1620, it is estimated that about 35 million people alive today are their direct descendants. It is incredible how one small group can blossom into such a massive global family.

Clues in our Names: Surnames weren’t always a thing. In Europe, they only became common during the Middle Ages as populations grew. They often give us a direct window into an ancestor’s life—“Smith” for a blacksmith, “Hill” for someone who lived on one, or “Jackson” for the son of Jack.