How to start researching your family tree in Fife
Discover the stories that made you
Tracing your family history can be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. Whether you’re curious about your surname, your roots in Fife or the lives your ancestors led, getting started is easier than you might think.
Here’s a simple guide to help you begin – and how OnFife can support you every step of the way.
1. Start with what you already know
Before you search any records, begin with your own story.
- Write down your full name, date and place of birth
- Add your parents, grandparents and any known relatives
- Note important events – births, marriages, jobs, places lived
Talking to family members can unlock valuable clues – names, stories, or even long-forgotten connections. Old photos, certificates, letters and family bibles can all provide useful details.
Top tip: Write everything down, even if you’re unsure – it can help later.
2. Work backwards, one step at a time
Family history research works best when you move back through generations.
Start with someone you know well – then look for records about their parents, then their parents, and so on.
In Scotland, records become especially detailed from 1855 onwards, when official registration of births, deaths and marriages began.
3. Explore key Scottish records
Once you have a basic outline, you can begin searching historical records. Some of the most useful include:
- Birth, marriage and death records
- Census returns (1841–1921)
- Old Parish Registers (pre‑1855)
- Wills and testaments
- Valuation rolls and school records
These records can reveal occupations, addresses, family relationships – and even unexpected stories about your ancestors’ lives.
4. Use trusted online resources
Scotland is one of the best places in the world for family history research, with excellent digital access to records.
Start with:
- ScotlandsPeople – official Scottish records
- Ancestry / Findmypast / FamilySearch – wider databases and indexes
- British Newspaper Archive – find mentions of ancestors in local news
Some of these resources are available free to use in all OnFife libraries.
5. Visit OnFife Local Studies and Archives
If your family has connections to Fife, your nearest Local Studies library is a brilliant place to continue your journey.
Through OnFife, you’ll find:
- Free access to Ancestry (library edition in all OnFife libraries)
- Census and parish records
- Local newspapers and name indexes
- Trade directories and community records
- Knowledgeable staff to help guide your search
Our Local Studies teams in Cupar Library, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries and Kirkcaldy Galleries are here to support you with expert advice and resources.
6. Discover Fife’s rich archive collections
OnFife Archives hold over 500 years of Fife’s history, offering a unique glimpse into everyday lives across generations.
You might uncover:
- School records and electoral registers
- Poor relief and police records
- Asylum and court documents
- Personal stories – from miners to teachers (and even witches!)
These records help bring your family story to life in ways that go far beyond dates and names.
7. Connect with others
You’re not alone in your search.
Joining a local group like the Fife Family History Society can connect you with others who share your interest—and who may even be researching the same families.
8. Keep organised—and enjoy the journey
Family history can take time, so keep track of what you find:
- Record where each piece of information comes from
- Double-check facts where possible
- Build your tree step by step
And remember – it’s not just about names and dates. It’s about discovering the lives, places and communities that shaped who you are today.
Ready to get started?
Visit your local OnFife library or explore our archives to begin your family history journey.
Start exploring your family tree with OnFife today.