An interesting page on Ancestry.com presents aggregated statistical surname data from an array of standard primary genealogical research materials.
Drawing on sources such as census schedules, the Social Security Index, Civil War Enlistment papers, immigration records, and more, users query the searchable databases for surnames.
In graphical and tabular formats, the inquiry yields information on where families lived in the U. S. and U.K., average life expectancy, occupations, service in the Civil War, and much more. Family history data of this type, particularly the origin and distribution patterns over time, may offer clues to the geographical location of families and is interesting to family historians.
Here is an example for the surname Pickel. In the 1840 census, families with that name were concentrated in Pennsylvania, but there were clusters in New York, Ohio, and Indiana. In subsequent decades (1880 and 1920), the family spreads out across the growing nation, but a strong concentration remains in the original areas. When the Civil War split the nation, the Ancestry records identify 82 Pickels serving the Union while 28 fought with the Confederates.
Lots of information is easily aggregated here so check it out. The aggregated statistical data can give some idea of where to focus research and is interesting. Of course Ancestry hopes the curious types surfing over that way subscribe in order to view the detailed data.
