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Genealogical Glossary

Because language is constantly changing and many words used in old records could have a different meaning from the common meaning used today, dictionaries from earlier years or centuries are a great resource for researchers. 

The word list below includes only the words most commonly found in genealogical sources. For further help, use a Dutch-English dictionary. Several Dutch-English dictionaries are available at the Family History Library. These are in the European collection. Their call number begins with 4.393.1321.

The following dictionary is available on microfilm for use in Family History Centers:

Dutch-English, English-Dutch Van Goor Dictionary. 's-Gravenhage: G. B. Van Goor, 1938. (FHL film 1183584 item 2.)

Additional dictionaries are listed in the Subject section of the Family History Library Catalog under Dutch Language-Dictionaries or in the Locality section under Netherlands-Language and Languages. These include dictionaries of various dialects and time periods.

Below is a useful list of words used in genealogical records


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