Spotlight

Information to help you get historical information from relatives & friends through interviews.

Additional resources to help with research of Chinese Canadian genealogy.

Search tips for researching Chinese names in Canada.

Learn how Chinese names were often changed in Canada based on western customs and pronounciation differences.

Name Order Chinese names traditionally consist of three parts: the Clan Name, and two given names. The Clan Name (surname) appears first. Thus Yip Sang, a prominent Chinese Canadian pioneer, would have been "Mr. Yip", since Yip was his surname. Given Names One of the two given names was a "generation name". The generation name was usually, though not always, shared by all male or all female siblings of the same generation. The other was a personal name. For example, in the Wong family, two brothers share the given name, You. Each also has a unique given name, i.e.

Historically, there has been a considerable amount of Chinese transmigration between the U.S. and Canada. It is possible that your ancestors spent some time in the U.S. or that a branch of your family settled there. This section provides basic information on Chinese American history and genealogical resources.

Useful web resources for Canadian Exporters currently active in the industry or planning to get started.

Useful web resources for Canadian importers currently active in the industry or planning to get started.

This section suggests book titles and links which may be helpful in exploring the history of Chinese communites outside Canada and China. 

A number of initiatives indicate the growing level of interest in reclaiming Chinese Canadian heritage. Some projects include genealogical components.