Great Britain, Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records

Great Britain

What is in This Collection?
This index is an index for the years 1571 to 1977. It is not complete for any particular place, region or time period. This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Not all records contain the same information. Generally, the following are included:


 * The name of the child
 * Date and place of birth
 * Date and place of christening
 * Gender
 * Names of the parents

Collection Content
Sample of indexed information:

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person you are looking for
 * Approximate date of birth

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Beginning in 1841, search the census records for the individual
 * Continue to look for the individual in civil and parish marriage records
 * Continue to look for the individual in civil and parish death records
 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relations that can be verified by records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try viewing the original record to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc.
 * When looking for an individual with a common name, look at all the search results before deciding which is the correct person
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames, abbreviations of a name, or alternated between using first and middle names
 * Spelling was not standardized for much of the period of this collection, so names were often spelled as recorders heard them. Pay attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try spelling variations that could have that pronunciation
 * Vary the search terms. For example, expand the date range or search by either the given name or surname to return a broader list of search results
 * Search in other nearby locations

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England
 * Scotland Guided Research, Ireland Guided Research, England Guided Research
 * Scotland Record Finder, Ireland Record Finder, Wales Record Finder England Record Finder
 * Scotland Research Tips and Strategies, Ireland Research Tips and Strategies, Wales Research Tips and Strategies, England Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.