Brazil Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records

Brazil

What is in This Collection?
This Collection includes records from 1688 to 1935 for the country of Brazil. The earliest vital records in Brazil were made by the churches. The vast majority of Brazilians were Catholic and the local parish kept records. In 1860's the civil government began keeping vital records. A law was passed in 1850 requiring registration of births, however some areas of the country they did not begin keeping records until the 1920's.

This collection may include information previously published in the International Genealogical Index.

Please see the coverage table below to find which areas of the country are in this collection and the time periods.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Baptism records contain the following information:
 * The name of the child
 * Gender
 * Date and place of christening
 * Date of birth
 * Names of the parents

Collection Content
Children were generally baptized within a few days of birth. Baptismal records usually give the place and date of baptism and birth, infant's name and parents' names. If the child died within a few days of baptism, the death information may also be included.

Coverage Table
The Coverage Table shows the places and time periods of the original records in this collection. The table indicates how many records the collection has from each place. Most of the records in the collection are from the time periods listed in the table; however, the collection may have a few records from before or after the time period.

How Do I Search This Collection?
As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your relative's first name, or some identifying information such as residence, age, and family relationships.

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?

 * Look at an image of the original record, if possible. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index
 * Use the information to find other records such as marriage, death, or census records
 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname, unless the surname is a common surname. This list can help you identify possible relatives that can be verified by records

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

 * Try viewing any original indexes to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
 * Check for variations of given names and surnames. It was not uncommon for an individual to be listed under a nickname, middle name, or abbreviation of their given name

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Brazil.
 * Record Finder
 * 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.