A One-Name Study or Surname Study is a project which investigates the incidences and geographical distribution of the same surname and variants of it, even though the people who bear that surname may not be related to each other. It is not the same as researching ancestors in a pedigree format, or pursuing the descendants of a person. Therefore defining a project is essential, just as it is for a One-Place Study because otherwise it can grow like weeds in summertime.

It may start innocuously as first. Many a family history researcher unwittingly starts a surname study during investigations into their personal family links. Consider all the red herrings, false trails and civil registration certificates that are completely wrong upon delivery. Sometimes people go beyond their comfort zone and pursue people bearing their chosen surname even if only to prove that there is no direct link, which is a result in itself. The remaining data just sits there in a box, waiting for someone to do something with it.

People may limit their enquiries to a geographical area which maybe where the surname originated or where there were prolific instances during a certain time frame. Some are interested in the etymology of the surname and try to pinpoint it to an exact location. Many One-Namers research their surname internationally and link it to a DNA project in an attempt to establish whether the genetic evidence matches the paperwork, often with surprising results.

What is certain is that the amount of data collected for the chosen surname can be tiny if an unusual, low incidence surname survives and massive in the case of the more substantial projects of a common surname such as Metcalfe.

Name and Place enables the One-Namer to record, analyse, map, report and share any amount of data in a fully sourced simplistic manner. Whilst not a family tree package, it can link families together where evidence is found.

When you feel your One-Name Study is like herding cats, call on Name & Place to help you pull it all together and keep it safe.