Researching your Lithuanian ancestry can feel like solving a puzzle—names might have changed over time, records span multiple languages, and historical borders complicate the story. But with the right approach, the pieces do come together.
At our agency, we’ve helped many families reconnect with their Lithuanian roots. This guide walks you through the key steps. Let’s begin!
Stage 1: Gather Initial Information
Every successful search starts at home—with memories, names, and any little clues your family holds. Your first task is to gather as much detail as possible about the ancestor you’re tracing.
Talk to parents, grandparents, and older relatives. Ask what they remember: names, hometowns, reasons for emigration, or family traditions.
Write everything down—then map it out. A simple family tree or timeline helps clarify relationships and identify gaps in your knowledge.
Pro TipPay special attention to full names, Lithuanian surname endings like -as, -is, -ius, -ienė, or -ytė, plus any place names, dates, or immigration details.
If memories are scarce, turn to family documents and heirlooms. Old letters, photographs, or objects (like folk embroidery or prayer books) can carry location hints. Always check the backs of photos—many were labeled with names, dates, or towns.
You might also find relatives online—others with your surname may have done research already. It’s worth reaching out.
Stage 2: Online Research (Country of Immigration)
Many Lithuanian immigrants settled in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, or the UK. Wherever they landed, the records they left behind can help you learn more about their origins.
With the basics in hand, turn to online platforms like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or MyHeritage to search these types of records:
- Census Records: List birthplaces such as “Russia,” “Poland,” or “Lithuania.”
- Immigration Records: Passenger lists may name a Lithuanian town or village.
- Naturalization Records: These can be goldmines, often listing specific birthplaces like “Panevėžys” or “Kaunas, Lithuania.”
- Vital Records: Marriage, birth, and death records may reference place of origin.
- Military Records: Draft registrations, especially from WWI and WWII, sometimes include exact birthplaces.
Lithuania didn’t exist as an independent country between 1795 and 1918, so older documents may list “Russia,” “Poland,” or even “Prussia.” Look across several documents to spot consistent patterns.
Names were often changed. “Kazlauskas” might appear as “Koslowski” or “Kazlow” abroad. “Jonas” may be written as “John.”
One of our clients had a grandfather listed in a 1920 U.S. Census as born in “Russia.” His immigration year led us to a ship manifest from New York, which showed “Šiauliai” as his last residence. A naturalization form confirmed “Šiauliai” as his place of birth. From there, we began our search in Lithuanian archives.
Stage 3: Back in Lithuania
Once you’ve identified your ancestor’s birthplace or region, it’s time to turn to Lithuanian records.
Key record types include:
- Church Records (Krikšto, Santuokos, Mirties Metraščiai): Parish books documenting baptisms, marriages, and deaths. Most Lithuanians were Catholic, but you’ll also find Lutheran and Jewish records in specific areas.
- Revision Lists and Tax Censuses (Revizijos sastrai): Used in the 18th and 19th centuries
Not all records survived wars and occupations, and language can be a barrier—older records may be in Polish, Russian, Latin, German, or Yiddish, depending on the period and religion.
Many records have survived despite wars, revolution and occupation. The Lithuanian State Historical Archives (LVIA) in Vilnius holds most of the country’s vital records from before WWII. You can browse digitized parish and civil records on Epaveldas.lt or FamilySearch.org. Jewish records can be found via JewishGen or LitvakSIG.
Not sure where to look? Our agency offers a free database of over 100 genealogy links for Eastern European countries, including former Russian Empire territories—join today to access this resource.
Need extra help? We work with professional researchers in Lithuania who can access records in person and interpret old handwriting and language. Contact us to learn more.
Conclusion
Tracing your Lithuanian roots is more than collecting names—it’s about reclaiming your family’s story. Yes, it may take patience, especially with language hurdles and historical complexities, but it’s an incredibly rewarding journey.
Whether your family came from a small village near Marijampolė or the streets of Vilnius, the clues are there—you just need to know where to look. Start now: ask questions, revisit family papers, and let us help guide the way.