The surname Jones originated in Wales, and is thought to mean "son of John". Most Welsh surnames are patronymic in origin - indeed before the Act of Union in 1536 patronyms were the only way that people in Wales were named.

Because very few forenames were in use names like Jones and Davies became very common. As late as 1881 there were parts of Wales where over 25% of the population had the surname Jones!

The chance that two randomly-selected researchers are descended from the same Jones is consequently remote, and therefore other pointers are necessary, such as date and place of birth, or the names of parents and siblings.

Most websites and other resources are much more difficult to use if you are researching a common surname. However, one site that is well worthy trying if you have Jones ancestors can be found here.

This website has absolutely no connection with a very old TV programme starring Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones