Polish Genealogical Sources - The Polish Genealogist

Researching Polish ancestry requires access to a variety of historical records, many of which are preserved in state archives, church repositories, and online databases. Due to Poland’s complex history—partitioned by foreign powers, affected by two world wars, and experiencing shifting borders—genealogical research can be challenging. However, several key sources provide invaluable information for tracing family roots.

This guide outlines the most important Polish genealogical records, offering an overview of where to find them and what information they contain. Each category below links to a more detailed resource, helping you navigate the best records for your research.

Polish Church Records – Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials

Church records are the most important genealogical source for tracing Polish ancestors before the introduction of civil registration in the 19th century. Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Jewish communities all kept vital records, often listing:

Baptisms (Chrzty) – Names of children, parents (including maiden names), godparents, and birth dates.
Marriages (Śluby) – Names of the bride and groom, their parents, occupations, and residence.
Burials (Zgony) – Death dates, age at death, and sometimes cause of death.

These records are typically found in parish archives, diocesan archives, and state archives, with many available online through Geneteka, FamilySearch, and Archiwum Państwowe.

[Read more: Polish Church Records]

Polish National Censuses – Tracking Families Over Time

Census records provide a snapshot of Polish families at specific points in history, listing names, ages, occupations, and places of birth. The most important censuses for genealogy include:

1921 Census – The first census after Poland regained independence, often used for Polish citizenship applications.
1931 Census – More detailed than the 1921 census, though largely lost due to World War II.
1946 Census – Important for tracking post-war resettlements and family movements.

Census records are held in state archives, and while some data is restricted, certain censuses are available online or through official requests.

[Read more: Polish National Censuses]

Pre-War Polish Passport and ID Applications – Proof of Citizenship

For those researching Polish ancestors who emigrated or need proof of Polish citizenship, pre-war passport and ID applications are crucial. These documents often include:

Full names and birthplaces, essential for tracing family origins.
Photographs, offering a rare personal connection to ancestors.
Residence and employment history, helping track migration patterns.

Records of Polish passports and IDs from the interwar period can be found in state archives, consular files, and online repositories.

Notarial Records in Poland – Property, Wills, and Legal Documents

Notarial records provide detailed legal and financial transactions that can help reconstruct family history. These include:

Property transactions – Land ownership records, sales, and inheritance disputes.
Wills and probate documents – Detailing family wealth distribution and heirs.
Marriage contracts – Providing insights into social and financial arrangements.

These documents are preserved in Polish state archives and sometimes in municipal archives. They can be useful for proving legal status and tracking ancestors’ economic history.

[Read more: Notarial Records in Poland]

Polish Population and Residence Registers – Tracking Ancestors’ Movements

Unlike census records, which provide periodic snapshots, population and residence registers were continuously updated and are essential for tracing family migrations. The most valuable types include:

Books of Permanent Residents (Księgi Ludności Stałej) – Listing individuals with official residence in a locality.
Temporary Residents Registers (Księgi Ludności Niestałej) – Tracking those who lived in an area temporarily.
Meldunkowe Records (Residence Registration Records) – Address changes, household composition, and movements.

These records are often required for Polish citizenship verification and can be found in state and municipal archives.

Polish Vital Records – Civil Birth, Marriage, and Death Records

After Poland introduced civil registration in the 19th century, local government offices began keeping official birth, marriage, and death records, separate from church registers. These records typically contain:

Birth certificates (Akta urodzeń) – With parents’ names, professions, and home addresses.
Marriage certificates (Akta małżeństw) – Listing witnesses and parental consent in some cases.
Death certificates (Akta zgonów) – Providing cause of death, burial location, and informant details.

These records are usually held in Civil Registry Offices (USC) for 100 years before being transferred to state archives. Many are available online through databases such as Szukajwarchiwach.pl.

[Read more: Polish Vital Records]

Military Records – Service and Draft Documents

For those with Polish ancestors who served in the military, draft and service records can be essential for genealogical research. These include:

Conscription lists – Names of eligible recruits, often including birthplaces.
Military service records – Detailing ranks, regiments, and deployments.
Polish Underground and Resistance Records – Useful for identifying ancestors who fought in WWII.

[Read more: Polish Military Records]