YourRoots by Genomelink
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

Sign up free
Advanced Search Options

Packard Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Packard Surname

Packard is a surname of English origin, with its roots traced back to the early 15th century in England. The surname is believed to have evolved from an occupational or locational name, reflective of the roles and regions inhabited by its early bearers. Over the centuries, Packard has grown into a distinguished name, linked to various notable individuals who have made significant contributions in fields ranging from education and science to politics and the arts.

The Packard surname saw considerable geographical and cultural expansion from its English origins. By the late 15th century, the name had established its presence across the United Kingdom, laying the groundwork for future generations. The 17th century marked a pivotal era of migration for many Packard families, who ventured across the Atlantic in search of new opportunities, thus embedding the Packard name into American history. Noteworthy individuals such as David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, and James Ward Packard, an automobile pioneer, underscore the surname's cultural impact on a global scale.

YourRoots dataset offers valuable insights into the Packard family tree, confirming the surname's presence in England since the early 15th century. It highlights the steady migration patterns of the Packard family during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly to the United States, which aligns with historical accounts of the period. By the 19th century, the Packard genealogy had firmly planted its roots in multiple states, reflecting a rich tapestry of familial connections that YourRoots data helps illuminate.

For those interested in tracing the Packard genealogy, YourRoots serves as a comprehensive resource, offering access to extensive Packard records. This connection between historical documentation and YourRoots data provides an enriched understanding of the Packard family tree, supporting genealogical research for anyone seeking to uncover their Packard heritage.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Packard Family Tree

Search more Packard trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Packard for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Packard Family Lineage

Origin of the Packard Family: Where does the Packard surname come from?

The earliest known appearance of the Packard surname can be traced back to England during the early 15th century. This initial record marks the beginning of the Packard family tree, establishing roots in the United Kingdom that would later branch out across various regions. The significance of this early record is foundational, as it connects modern descendants to an ancestral lineage rich in history and culture.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Packard

Throughout the following centuries, the Packard family began to spread from its origins in England, with notable clusters appearing in various regions. By the late 15th century, the surname had gained prominence within the United Kingdom, reflecting the growth of family branches and the establishment of local familial connections. The 17th century saw further expansion, as Packard families began to migrate, laying the groundwork for future generations in new territories.

As the Packard family tree evolved, descendants established significant branches across England and beyond, weaving a complex tapestry of family connections. The progression into the 18th century marked a pivotal moment, as many Packards ventured to new lands, particularly across the Atlantic, where they sought greater opportunities and a fresh start. This era of growth and migration significantly shaped the future of the Packard lineage.

Tracing the Packard Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Packard surname into various regions is evident across multiple centuries, with a notable increase in presence in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries. This migration not only diversified the family tree but also solidified the Packard surname as a part of American history. By the 19th century, the Packard family had firmly established itself in numerous states, contributing to the overall narrative of the family’s genealogy.

In the early 20th century, the Packard surname continued to thrive, reflecting the family's enduring legacy in the United States and beyond. The continued growth of the family tree has led to a global spread of the Packard name, linking descendants in various countries around the world. This extensive migration and settlement underscore the broader genealogy of the Packard family, showcasing a lineage that transcends borders and generations.

Where to Find Packard Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the Packard surname can be found widely across the globe, with roots deeply embedded in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As families continue to research their ancestry, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen a rise in interest in genealogy, prompting many to explore their Packard heritage. Readers are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections within the rich tapestry of

Famous People with Packard (and Their Family Tree)

Gavin Packard

Gavin Packard

Gavin Packard, an acclaimed Indian actor of Irish American descent, was best known for his villainous roles in 1990s Bollywood films such as "Sadak," "Mohra," and "Chamatkar." With a career spanning nearly 15 years, he also appeared in Malayalam cinema with notable performances in "Aayushkalam" and "Season." Known for his impressive physique, Packard was a national-level bodybuilder and a trainer to Bollywood stars like Sanjay Dutt. His versatility extended to television, where he acted in the Doordarshan Sci-fi series "Indradhanush" and appeared in music videos, enhancing his diverse filmography.

Gavin Packard was the eldest of five children born to Earl and Barbara Packard. His father was a computer expert, while his mother was a Konkani Maharashtrian. His grandfather, John Packard, was an Irish American who settled in Bangalore after serving in the US Army. Gavin had two daughters, Erika and Kamille, with Sanjay Dutt being the godfather to Kamille. His final years were spent with his younger brother, Daryl Packard, in Kalyan.

David Packard

David Packard

David Packard was an influential American electrical engineer and co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP) alongside Bill Hewlett. Serving as HP's president, CEO, and chairman, Packard played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global leader in electronic testing, calculators, and computer technology. He also served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, introducing business resource management concepts to military operations. Packard's achievements include receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and contributing significantly to technological innovation and philanthropy.

David Packard was born in Pueblo, Colorado, to Ella (Graber) and Sperry Sidney Packard, an attorney. He attended Stanford University, where he met his future wife, Lucile Salter, with whom he had four children. The couple married in 1938.

Kelly Packard

Kelly Packard

Kelly Chemane Packard, born on January 29, 1975, is an American actress and television personality renowned for her roles in popular TV series such as "California Dreams" and "Baywatch." She gained further recognition as a co-host on "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" and GSN Live. Packard's versatility is evident from her guest appearances on shows like "The Wonder Years" and "Boy Meets World." Her early career highlights include being a contestant on "Card Sharks" during its "Young People's Week." This varied career has made Kelly Packard a notable figure in American television.

Kelly Packard's personal life is closely tied to her family. She married Darrin Privett, an emergency medicine physician, in 1996, and they have four children together. The family resides in Newhall, California, where they share their home with numerous pets, reflecting Packard's passion for animals and her vegetarian lifestyle.

Elizabeth Packard

Elizabeth Packard

Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard was a pioneering American advocate for women's rights and the mentally ill, best known for her wrongful commitment to an insane asylum by her husband, Theophilus Packard. This led her to establish the Anti-Insane Asylum Society, promoting the rights of divorced women to retain custody of their children. Her trial, Packard v. Packard, highlighted her struggle against the oppressive norms of her time and ended with a jury quickly determining her sanity. Her advocacy work significantly contributed to the discourse on mental health and women's rights in the 19th century.

Elizabeth Packard was born in Ware, Massachusetts, to Samuel and Lucy Ware. Samuel was a Congregational minister, and Elizabeth was their only daughter and the eldest of three children.

Vance Packard

Vance Packard

Vance Oakley Packard (1914–1996) was a renowned American journalist and social critic, best known for his influential books "The Hidden Persuaders" and "The Naked Society." His work critiqued consumerism, advertising tactics, and privacy issues, making him a prominent figure in social commentary. Packard’s exploration of consumer psychology in "The Hidden Persuaders" and his call for data privacy in "The Naked Society" marked him as a forward-thinking critic of modern society. His writings continue to be relevant for discussions on advertising, privacy, and consumer culture.

Vance Packard was born in Granville Summit, Pennsylvania, to Philip J. Packard, a dairy farm manager, and Mabel Case Packard. His early life in State College, Pennsylvania, where his father managed a farm for Pennsylvania State College, shaped his identity as a "farm boy."

Packard Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Packard" is of English origin and has been associated with numerous notable individuals across various fields, such as technology, entertainment, and academia. Prominent figures include David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, and James Ward Packard, an automobile designer and manufacturer. The name also appears in popular culture with fictional characters like Andrew Packard from the television show "Twin Peaks."

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Packard

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Packard family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Packard surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE