One-name Studies
A one-name study is a project researching all occurrences of a surname, as opposed to a particular pedigree (ancestors of one person) or descendancy (descendants of one person or couple). Some "one-namers" may restrict their research geographically, perhaps to one country, but true one-namers collect all occurrences worldwide.
Typically, the researchers will also study the etymology of the surname, and its geographical distribution. Sometimes, especially if the surname is also a place name, they will try to identify the place or places of origin of the surname, employing the normal methods of genealogy.
A small core of Guild members are combining their traditional documentary research with a DNA project. By the end of 2009 some 200 DNA surname projects were led by Guild members.
One-name study researchers are also increasingly making use of online networking services such as Facebook to make connections with other people researching their surname.
Read more about this topic: Guild Of One-Name Studies
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“Even if one studies to an old age, one will never finish learning.”
—Chinese proverb.