England and Wales Birth Registration Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

 England  Wales

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index to births registered in England and Wales beginning 1 July 1837 through 2008. The index is arranged in volumes by years with the entries listed alphabetically. These indexes can be used to order a copy of the actual certificate.

Index courtesy of Findmypast.com.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Name of the child
 * Mother's maiden name (starting July 1911).
 * Registration year and quarter
 * Place of registration
 * Volume and page

Collection Content
Sample image of an indexed record

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

If you do not know what registration district you need, find your location in: UK BMD Registration Districts In England and Wales.

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?

 * If possible, use what you know to find an image of the original record. The index contains only basic identifying information for a person; the original record therefore may contain more information not found in the index
 * Copies of certificates can be obtained through the General Register Office for a fee
 * Use the information to find the child and other family members in census 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?

 * The registration quarter could be different from the actual birth quarter
 * 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
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try searching based on how the name may have been pronounced
 * Search the records of nearby locations

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