»Thank you so much Manja for taking such good care of my Dad and Cathy. Hearing about this trip definitely makes me more excited to revisit Croatia and meet
Genealogy research in Slovenia can be a rewarding endeavor, offering insights into family histories and connections to the Slovene heritage. With its rich cultural background influenced by various civilizations.
To begin researching genealogy in Slovenia, individuals often start with oral histories from older family members. These accounts can provide valuable names, places, and events to guide more formal research.
Original church books, which include records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths, are vital resources for genealogy research in Slovenia. These records are meticulously maintained in administrative offices for current entries (those younger than 100 years) and within three main church archives located in Ljubljana, Maribor, and Koper for older records.
The efforts to preserve and share these historical documents have been greatly enhanced through digitization initiatives. The archives are actively scanning these aging church books and making them accessible on platforms like Matricula, allowing researchers and interested individuals to view and explore these invaluable records online. This initiative not only facilitates genealogical research but also enriches the understanding of Slovene heritage by providing insights into the lives of previous generations. Through these resources, individuals can piece together their family histories, connect with their roots, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry of Slovenia.
An important step in our research is connecting with potential relatives in Slovenia. To conduct this search effectively, we need accurate and detailed information about your ancestors. That’s why we make it a priority to carefully verify all the information you share with us.
Each piece of information you provide significantly streamlines our process, allowing us to focus our efforts on uncovering your ancestors’ relatives and their descendants in Slovenia. Verifying the details you give us is much more efficient than starting from scratch.
If you have any details about your ancestors’ siblings—such as their birth information, marital histories, or where they passed away—please share them with us. If not, don’t worry! We’re more than happy to assist in uncovering this information for you. Our goal is to minimize redundancy and maximize our efforts.
With our expertise and resources, we are well-equipped to explore the histories of families in Slovenia. All we need is a starting point to identify the right families and track down your relatives. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your genealogical journey!
Starting your genealogy research can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get underway:
1. Get to Know Your Ancestor Begin by gathering as much information as you can about your ancestor. While you may not know their exact birth date or location, you likely have details about their marriage, children, siblings, and where they lived. This foundational knowledge is critical.
2. Search for Key Documents Look for important documents that can provide insight into your ancestor’s life. Key records to locate include:
• Draft Cards: These can reveal the date and place of birth.
• Census Records: These will typically indicate immigration dates, years of marriage, and family structure.
• Marriage Records: These documents often include the bride and groom’s ages and parents’ names.
• Death Records: These provide valuable information including the date and place of death, and sometimes additional familial connections.
• Obituaries: Check Slovene and US newspapers for obituaries which can provide personal details and family connections.
3. Establish Birthplace Your primary goal is to discover where your ancestor was born. Knowing the exact village or town is essential, as this information is crucial for locating their birth record. Without it, tracking down vital documents may prove difficult.
4. Identify the Parish Once you have determined the village or town of your ancestor’s birth, the next step is to ascertain which parish the village belongs to. This will help you locate the parish records, which are often the key to unlocking further details about your ancestor’s early life and family connections.
By following these steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your genealogy research, ultimately uncovering the rich history and connections that define your family lineage. Happy researching or send US information you have and we will help you!
Don’t worry! Even if you don’t have much information about your family history, we can uncover far more than you might think. Based on our past experiences, we’ve found that there are often hidden gems of information waiting to be discovered, whether in local archives, historical records, or through connections with distant relatives.
Our team of experienced genealogists and researchers will work closely with you to piece together your family’s story, utilizing various resources and tools to gather information. You may be surprised by the wealth of details that can emerge from a comprehensive search. Every family has a unique narrative, and we’re here to help you explore it, no matter where you start.
VELIKO MLAČEVO, MALO MLAČEVO, VIDEM – DOBREPOLJE, ZAPLAZ, ČATEŽ, ŽALNA, GROSUPLJE, TREBANJSKI VRH, JURŠČE, DOLENJE LAZE, RIBNICA, HROVAČA, LAZI, CESTA, ZDENSKA VAS, BRUHANJA VAS, KOMPOLJE, BOJANJA VAS – PARISH RADOVICA, GRIBLJE – PARISH PODZEMELJ, REGRČA VAS, DOLENJA VAS, CERKNICA, LIPSENJ, VIDEM-DOBREPOLJE, CANKOVA, SEMIČ, MRTVICE, ADLEŠIČI, URŠNA SELA, REČIČE OB SAVINJI, VELENJE, LUČE, TEŠANOVCI, LENDAVA, PETIŠOVCI, KOČEVJE, OSILNICA, SAVSKI LAZI, FARA, LOGATEC, LUKOVEK…and much more.
VELIKO MLAČEVO, MALO MLAČEVO, VIDEM – DOBREPOLJE, ZAPLAZ, ČATEŽ, ŽALNA, GROSUPLJE, TREBANJSKI VRH, JURŠČE, DOLENJE LAZE, RIBNICA, HROVAČA, LAZI, CESTA, ZDENSKA VAS, BRUHANJA VAS, KOMPOLJE, BOJANJA VAS – PARISH RADOVICA, GRIBLJE – PARISH PODZEMELJ, REGRČA VAS, DOLENJA VAS, CERKNICA, LIPSENJ, VIDEM-DOBREPOLJE, CANKOVA, SEMIČ, MRTVICE, ADLEŠIČI, URŠNA SELA, REČIČE OB SAVINJI, VELENJE, LUČE, TEŠANOVCI, LENDAVA, PETIŠOVCI, KOČEVJE, OSILNICA, SAVSKI LAZI, FARA, LOGATEC, LUKOVEK…and much more.
AHLIN, TRAVNIK, MATJAŽIČ, VAVTAR, PEVEC, ZADEL, ZUPANČIČ, PETEK, SLOBODNIK, KRAMARIČ, KRIŽAN, ULE, GORIŠEK, GORNIK, ZAMAN, POVŠE, GAŠPERIČ, CIMERMANIČ, PUHEK, VIRANT, JAMNIK, FINK, TRINKHAUS, ORAŽEM, MEGLAN, BREKAN, GORENC, ŠKULJ, URBANČ, OŠTIR, MOHAR, DEBELJAK, TRATNIK, DERMOTA, VINDIŠAR, STARMAN, RETELJ, KUHAR, CVITKOVIČ, AGNIČ, CETINSKI, KAJFEŽ, JURKOVIČ, BELJAN, BAVČAR, VOVK, BREZNIK, GERLCA, PERGER, BIZJAK….and many more.
In Slovenia, people often tend to be more reserved, which means that initiating conversations about DNA tasting, might require a bit of finesse. It’s usually best to wait for the right moment to approach someone or to seek the assistance of a local guide who can help bridge the gap and facilitate introductions.
I’ve encountered several instances where American guests brought DNA kits with the intention of gathering samples from distant relatives. In these situations, while most people were genuinely intrigued by the prospects of discovering their familial connections, it’s customary to cover any associated costs for participating in such endeavors.
Europeans upload DNA to MyHeritage site.
“Uploading your raw DNA data to MyHeritage is easy. Simply visit their DNA upload page and follow the instructions to get cousin matches and an ethnicity report. Take a test with Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA or 23andMe. At this time, MyHeritage accepts data from only these three companies.”
Upload Your DNA Data and Enjoy Free Access to Advanced DNA Features – MyHeritage Blog
Absolutely! You are encouraged to request specific locations or sites that hold significance in your family history. Whether it’s the ancestral home of your great-grandparents, a family cemetery, or local landmarks related to your heritage, we’re here to make that happen.
In addition to Slovenia and Croatia, we can also incorporate other countries that are relevant to your family’s roots. Our team will work closely with you to design a tailored tour that reflects your unique ancestry and interests, ensuring a meaningful and personalized experience. Just let us know your preferences, and we’ll handle the rest!
Facilitating connections with your relatives is one of our primary goals. It’s highly advisable to reach out to your relatives in advance to inform them of your arrival. This way, they can prepare for your visit and ensure a warm welcome. Additionally, your family can help spread the word among other relatives, so everyone is aware and can join in the excitement. Plan ahead for a wonderful and memorable reunion!
We want to ensure that you have a meaningful and memorable experience when meeting your family. By organizing these visits, we hope to create opportunities for you to bond, share stories, and celebrate your shared heritage. It’s a wonderful journey, and we’re here to help every step of the way!
Genealogy research in the Prekmurje region of Slovenia offers a unique and enriching experience for those looking to explore their ancestral roots. Prekmurje, a distinctive region in northeastern Slovenia, holds a treasure trove of genealogical and cultural history. Bordered by the Mura River in Slovenia and the Rába Valley in Hungary, Prekmurje is defined by its rich linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity. For many, uncovering their ancestry in this region is not just a search for names and dates but a journey into a vibrant cultural heritage shaped by centuries of tradition and resilience.
One important aspect of conducting genealogical research in Prekmurje is understanding the religious background of your ancestors. Identifying their faith will help determine which parish they belonged to, guiding you to the appropriate repositories for their records. Were they Lutheran or Catholic?
If your family spoke the Prekmurian/Prekmurski dialect—using words like “gučali” instead of “govorili,” “bakanče” for shoes, or “bankaš” for wallet—you are likely connected to this unique part of Slovenia.
Furthermore, Prekmurje’s religious history, predominantly Evangelical, contrasts with the Roman Catholic tradition prevalent in other parts of Slovenia, making genealogical research here even more difficult.
The region is characterized by its unique dialect and customs, which can offer clues to understanding the context of your ancestors’ lives. Many families in this area have maintained traditional practices, and visits to local sites can help deepen your understanding of your heritage.
I was so fortunate to be part of an Ancestry tour led by Manja last summer. It was a life time experience to always remember.
My wife and I visited Slovenia in September, 2014. Manja was our personal guide, and a wonderful guide she was.
Tracing your ancestry in Prekmurje is a journey into a region that bridges cultures, languages, and religions. Whether you’re reconnecting with your Slovenian roots or exploring the stories of your ancestors for the first time, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Find out how we can help at no added cost to you. Contact Manja Lilek on
or contact me below ….
