Surnames could also be posted in rootsweb via the Surname Rootsweb List. This is a registry that contains more than a million surnames as submitted by almost three hundred thousand genealogists online. Along with every surname is the location, date, info as to how it is one could contact the particular person who sent the specific surname. This is because the date of birth and death is like a paper trail and this can used to get in contact with long lost relatives. Those who are unable to get that much information can try checking the online death record index or Social Security Index. After searching for a while, the individual will be able to get some vital information such as the relative s name, social security number and last known address. Check with your folks It would be great if you communicate with your parents. Solicit their assistance with the dates and names you need. Most likely, the names of relatives you do not know or have not heard from for a while, will crop up as these names could have been vital during the growing up years of your parents. Parents from Scotland could follow the formula of naming their children: the first son could be named after the child s father s father, while the next son could be name after the mother s father, and so forth. Dates- is also vital to establish such occasions as marriages, births and deaths. Connections of parents to their children could be established by such simple information as dates of birth. Genealogy, to most people, is just the simple term family tree . One would be foolish to not have any interest on his origin. To start with one s genealogy is like starting a long hike. There are things one needs to know and prepare for. In addition to that, it would consume some of your time. Just have patience and it will all be worth it! With the resurgence of interest in family history, genealogy sites have been experiencing an increase in the number of members who have built their family trees with the help of online resources. Currently, genealogy sites contain billions of names with millions of members and online family trees. How to join Most sites require memberships before they will allow you to build your tree or conduct genealogy searches.