French Canadian Roots exists to help the millions of people of Québec, Acadian, and Franco-American descent — in the United States, across Canada, and beyond — rediscover where their families came from and what that heritage means today.
French-Canadian genealogy is unlike any other. The Catholic parish registers of Québec and Acadie, kept faithfully since 1621 and gathered into databases like PRDH-IGD and the Drouin Collection, make it possible to trace an ordinary family back, with confidence, to the founding generations of New France. We aim to make that remarkable resource approachable for everyone, whether you are opening your family history for the first time or pushing a stubborn line back across the Atlantic.
What we cover
- practical, accurate guidance on tracing French-Canadian ancestry and using the great Québec databases;
- the story of New France and its founding ancestors, from the filles du roi to the Acadian deportation;
- the meaning and history of French-Canadian surnames and dit names;
- clear, current information on Canadian citizenship by descent after the 2025 reforms;
- honest reviews of DNA tests and guidance on heritage travel.
Our content is researched carefully and written to be useful rather than promotional. Where the law or a record set is complex or changing — citizenship especially — we say so plainly and point you to authoritative sources. We are a genealogy and heritage resource, not a law firm or government agency, and we always encourage you to verify legal questions with the appropriate professionals.
Questions or corrections? We welcome them — see our contact page.