Try a search with just the surname entered to see any database containing that particular name. Including the locality will provide a different set of results than would a search without a designated geographic focus. When you specify such a focus, the results page will also include maps, links, and additional reference materials that can be used for further research. This is especially true if you are researching an ancestor with a common name. You may want to proceed to the advanced search template and filter your search by locality, keyword, or other options to filter out unwanted results.
Many databases contain data that extends beyond one geographic location or time period.
When this is the case, you may receive results that are outside the parameters you designated in the original search. To search these databases, make use of the international options from our Advanced Search . Increasing the Number of Hits You can often increase the number of relevant hits you receive when using GlobalSearch. One method is to always include a locality when performing a search. Searches that include a locality will provide links to additional reference materials, maps, links, and any other data related to that location.