Today, there are several ways to find your long-lost relatives easily with the help of the internet. The internet is an effective means of obtaining results in the search for data on our surnames and locating unknown relatives.
On the internet, numerous websites try to make a database of genealogical references as complete as possible. These databases are made up (depending on who offers them) of civil archives, administration records, different church records, and the details that the users themselves are adding.
On such websites, you can do various types of surname searches for free (simple search and advanced search) and locate the origin of your surname. The simple search allows you to find all the references to a surname in different places and times. The advanced search allows you to locate data by countries, regions, provinces or municipalities, or narrow your search to a specific period.
Here we present you with more tips to find your long-lost relatives.
Tips to find your long-lost relatives:
1. Search with Google:
This is the most obvious way to start. Before you begin the process, give some thought to the person you are seeking to locate. Consider all the details you can remember about his personality, like favorite food, hobbies. You should try to remember the initials of his middle name or where he/she was born. If you remember his/her DOB, it will also be very useful for your search.
One of the best places to start searching is with Google. Search for the name, add a possible location or date of birth and go through the results. Alternate your search options with hobbies or any other extra details you have about that person.
2. Take help from people finder sites:
Today, technology has advanced, and so finding long-lost relatives is easier with certain tools.
The only thing you need to do is provide any of the following information – name, phone number, or address. Perhaps, you know where your long-lost relative used to live? Start with the address search then and see if they still own the property. Use Nuwber for your search.
Or just search for the name and check all the results. Examine each one attentively to see if that could be your relative. Then use the contact details provided to get in touch with them.
In case you have their old contacts, check their relevancy on PhoneHistory.
3. Hire a Private Detective:
And if you don’t mind spending money, several private detectives will be happy to take your case and assist you in the search. Those professionals know well what records to check, how to get access to the mentioned records, how to trace a person and find any information about them. Hiring a detective will save your time and energy for sure.
4: Use an online genealogy research service:
Organizations like FamilySearch or Ancestry offer virtual access to the records that can be helpful for you to build your family tree and search for relatives you did not even know you had. Several online genealogy research services even offer DNA tests to supplement your finding in an online database.
5. Search on social media:
Social media platforms are another good source of several valuable data and can be helpful particularly when you are searching for someone. We know that Facebook comes first in your mind, but there are many other social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Check if your long-lost relative has his/her profile on these networks. Think about possible nicknames they might be using. People usually post their personal photos on social media which will make it easier for you to recognize someone you are looking for. Once you find him/her, then you can write to them directly. Or you can connect with other relatives who can take you in the right direction and share any details they know.
6. Go with a DNA Test:
Some people found their long-lost or distant family members after a DNA test, so you can also expect the same. 23andMe offers such a service. In case, your long-lost relatives have also done the same, you will be able to find them. In any case, you’ll find a lot of interesting information about your family.
7. Affiliations:
Another way to find a long-lost relative is to simply talk to your family. Ask them what they know about that person, who else may have some more information. Every little detail matters.
8. Start searching from the last known address:
One of the best ways to find your long-lost relative is to start searching from one’s last known residential address. If they have already moved from the address, you can ask the neighbors. Also, check the property records that have data of former residents.
Once you have tried all the above-mentioned ways to find your long-lost relatives and still didn’t find them, you can try some other resources as well. You can try going through Newspaper Archives. These types of newspapers contain the following:
- Electoral rolls
- bituaries
- Birth records
- Social Security Deaths Index
- Census records
Important consideration:
When you are in search of your long-lost relatives, you should first ask yourself if they want to be uncovered and how they will react if they do not want to be contacted. You’ll never know what will happen when you find them so it is always advisable to take steps carefully. Prepare yourself for any scenario and reaction that may come.
Lucas Noah, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Information & Technology, stands as a prominent figure in the realm of tech journalism. Currently holding the position of Senior Admin, Lucas contributes his expertise to two esteemed companies: OceanaExpress LLC and CreativeOutrank LLC. His... Read more