Building your first family tree is one of the most exciting steps in genealogy. It transforms scattered names and dates into a clear picture of how generations connect. For beginners, the key is starting simple and building carefully.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to build your first family tree the right way, even if you’ve never done genealogy research before.
Step 1: Start With Yourself
Every family tree begins with one person—you.
Write down:
- Your full name
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ names
- Siblings
This may feel obvious, but accuracy matters. Your tree grows stronger when the foundation is solid.
Step 2: Add One Generation at a Time
Next, add your parents. Record:
- Full names (including maiden names)
- Birth and death dates (if applicable)
- Marriage information
Then move back to grandparents—but only when you’re confident about the previous generation. Avoid skipping ahead. One generation at a time prevents mistakes and confusion.
👉 Related reading: Genealogy Basics: How to Start Tracing Your Family History
Step 3: Use a Family Group Sheet
A family group sheet helps organize information for each household. It typically includes:
- Parents’ names
- Children’s names
- Dates and places of key life events
Using family group sheets keeps details clear and makes it easier to spot missing information.
Step 4: Choose a Family Tree Format
There is no single “right” way to create a family tree. Beginners often choose one of these options:
- Paper charts – Simple and visual
- Genealogy software – Good for organization
- Online family trees – Convenient, but use with caution
Whichever method you choose, make sure you can edit, save, and document sources easily.
Step 5: Verify Information Before Adding It
Family stories are valuable clues—but they are not proof. Before adding information to your tree:
- Confirm names and dates with records
- Compare multiple sources
- Be cautious with online family trees
Copying unverified information is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
👉 Helpful guide: NEXT BLOG 10 Genealogy Mistakes Beginners Make
Step 6: Document Your Sources
Every name, date, and relationship in your family tree should be supported by a source. These may include:
- Birth, marriage, or death records
- Census records
- Obituaries
- Church records
Recording sources allows you—and future researchers—to trust your work.
Step 7: Keep Notes and Stay Organized
As your tree grows, organization becomes essential. Keep notes about:
- Conflicting information
- Questions that need more research
- Possible spelling variations
Good organization saves time and prevents frustration.
👉 Next step: How to Organize Your Genealogy Research So Nothing Gets Lost
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
When building a family tree, beginners often:
- Guess dates or relationships
- Jump back multiple generations too quickly
- Ignore conflicting evidence
- Forget to record sources
Genealogy rewards patience. Slow, careful research leads to accurate results.
Your Family Tree Is a Living Document
A family tree is never truly finished. As you discover new records, stories, and connections, your tree will grow and change. That’s part of the journey.
Building your first family tree isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Ready to Go Further?
If you want a complete, beginner-friendly guide that walks you through building, verifying, and organizing your family tree step by step, Family History Made Simple (available for purchase on Bookstera) was written just for you.
Your family history begins with one name—and one careful step at a time.
Discovering Your Past 