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Guild of One-Name Studies

One-name studies, Genealogy

Is your surname here?

    • 2,377 members
    • 2,237 studies
    • 7,921 surnames

Conducting a One-Name Study

The following videos prepared by Guild members are designed to introduce the context and scope of One-Name Studies (ONS). Presentation packs follow the videos:

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An Introduction to One-Name Studies Part 1
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An Introduction to One-Name Studies Part 2
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What's the Point of a One-Name Study? By Helen Osborn
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Evolution of a One-Name Study & Surname Research (Guild of One-Name Studies)
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The Videos

  • An Introduction to One-Name Studies (part 1) (15 min): Tessa Keough discusses the context of One-Name Studies, including what these studies are, why we have surnames and why we might choose to pursue this type of study. The first steps of an ONS are also introduced.
  • An Introduction to One-Name Studies (part 2) (26 min): Tessa continues her introduction by exploring the scope of One-Name Studies, focusing on researching studies through time and space and sharing your findings. Along with explaining the major types of surnames, she explores key aspects of the research including analysis, surname origin and meaning, distribution, location, frequency, migration and ONS data.
  • What’s the Point of a One-Name Study (33 min): Helen Osborn asks us to consider what we’re trying to achieve with our one-name studies. This consideration is equally relevant to those just starting their studies as well as those whose studies are more advanced. Her emphasis is on the fact that our studies can be something more than data collection and tree building, with our evidence providing the ability to contribute to a more general advancement of knowledge through analysis, drawing conclusions and publishing.
  • The Evolution & Origins of a One-Name Study & Surname Research (39 min): Julie Goucher uses the development of her Orlando study, an Italian surname, to further explore One-Name Study concepts and the globalisation of studies. She discusses the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ — the Guild’s guiding principles for those pursuing ONS, introduces the DNA component of studies and explores further alternatives for sharing.

For further information on the The Guild of One-Name Studies and the conduct of One-Name Studies, please check out our 2018 Webinar Series.

Presentation Packs

Introduction to One Name Studies Part 1 by Tessa Keough

Introduction to One Name Studies Part 2 by Tessa Keough

What’s the Point of a One-Name Study? by Helen Osborn

Evolution & Origins of a One Name Study by Julie Goucher

Evolution & Origins Syllabus

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One-Name Studies

  • One-Name Studies
    • Surnames and variants
    • Registering a one-name study
    • Data collection
    • Analysis
    • Synthesis
    • Publicising your study
    • Responding to enquiries
    • Publication of results
    • Preserving your study
    • Data sources
    • Recording data
    • Storing data
    • Roles for One-Name Studies

The Guild Vision

The Guild will strengthen its position as the centre of excellence for surname studies by educating the public and worldwide genealogical community in one-name studies and empowering members to preserve their knowledge and share their expertise.

Other Guild Websites

You may find our other Guild websites of interest:

  • Members’ Websites Program
  • Surname Cloud
  • Guild Members’ records on FamilySearch
  • Guild Marriage Locator

Contact Us

Email: Guild General Contact
Postal address:
c/o Secretary
Edendale, 113 Stomp Road
Burnham, Berkshire, SL1 7NN, U.K
Call us free on:
UK: 0800 011 2182
US & Canada: 1-800-647-4100
Australia: 1800 305 184

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