English Genealogy & Surnames
In the 2000 U.S. Census, it was revealed that Americans of English descent form the third largest European ancestral group in this country, preceded by Americans of German descent and Americans of Irish descent. English-Americans comprise about 8.7% of the U.S. population at present.
The first English settlement in North America was in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. The next colony was Plymouth, which was formed in 1620. Most of the early English settlers who arrived in the U.S. came here to flee religious persecution.
Studying the English traditions that the settlers brought with them, their religious principles and the lives they created here in America will provide genealogists opportunities for growth and development in their research projects.
By looking back into the prism of time, you will unveil mysteries you did not anticipate seeing. Emigration booms will be of significance for you in determining when and why your ancestors came here.
Emigration Waves
Approximately 3.5 million English émigrés arrived in the U.S. in the years after 1776. The next wave of emigration began in the 1820s. Most of the émigrés in that fold were field hands and urban workers. However, they arrived in the U.S. hoping to work in the textile factories, on railroad projects and in mining expansions.
Throughout the nineteenth century, English settlers came in droves to help launch the transcontinental railroads. They also came to take advantage of the settlement of the Great Plains. And, of course, due to the rise of industrialization, many skilled artisans and professional English workers were seduced to make the trip over from England.
Another reason many English people decided to emigrate was due to more affordable travel. Steamship fares became much cheaper, and this made it possible for more unskilled workers to come across the Atlantic to try their luck in the New World. Among this lot were miners and building trade workers. Most of the people who made the trip decided to stay in the U.S., but some returned home after working here for a season.
English settlers continued to come to the U.S. throughout the latter and early twentieth centuries, all seeking better employment prospects and living situations.
Most of the founding fathers of the U.S. had English lineage, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
The majority of the politicians of our age and former ages are of English descent.
English Ancestry Resources
If you are of English descent, you will find a rich treasure trove of information about your family by visiting Archives.com. We offer UK birth, marriage and death records, as well as UK Census data. You will find a plethora of details about your family members by delving into the information we have on file.
Other sites you can look to for guidance are:
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