Tracing Migration Waves from the U.K. and Ireland to the U.S.
Have you ever wondered why your ancestors left the United Kingdom or Ireland for the United States? Perhaps you’ve come across a record, a family story, or even just a surname that hints at a transatlantic journey. Understanding these migration waves can help you place your ancestors within a broader historical context and uncover the reasons behind their life-changing decisions.
There are many reasons people chose to move overseas, including work opportunities, education, or the desire to reunite with family. However, many journeys took place during large-scale migration waves — periods when significant numbers of people relocated due to political upheaval, economic hardship, or social change. In this article, we explore five major migration waves from the U.K. and Ireland to the U.S., along with real examples of historical records that can help you discover more about your own family history.
Key takeaways on migration waves from the U.K. and Ireland to the U.S.
- Migration from the U.K. and Ireland to the U.S. happened in distinct historical waves.
- Each wave was driven by different factors, including religion, famine, war, and economic opportunity.
- Passenger lists, passport applications, and newspapers can reveal detailed migration stories.
- Understanding historical context can help explain why your ancestors moved.
- MyHeritage provides access to billions of historical records to support your research.
The colonial wave (1607–1775)
The colonial wave began with the formation of Jamestown, Virginia, in May 1607, widely recognized as the first permanent English settlement in North America. From this point onward, migration steadily increased as more individuals and families sought new lives across the Atlantic.
One of the most well-known journeys of this period is the Mayflower voyage, which arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. Many of these early migrants were motivated by a desire to escape religious persecution and practice their beliefs freely.
The 1630s, often referred to as the “Great Migration,” saw a significant movement of English Puritans to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By the end of the 17th century, it is estimated that around 20,000 people had settled there, forming the foundation of early colonial society.
Another important group during this period were the Ulster Scots, also known as the Scots-Irish. These were Scottish families who had previously settled in Ulster but later faced economic pressure and religious discrimination. Between 1717 and 1775, approximately 250,000 Presbyterians emigrated from this region, with many settling in Pennsylvania, including cities like Philadelphia and Chester.
Forced migration during the colonial period
As well as voluntary migration, this period also saw forced movement. Thousands of Irish prisoners of war were transported during the 1650s as part of the Cromwellian Transplantation. These individuals were sent as indentured servants, typically bound by contracts lasting 7 to 10 years. Many were sent to Barbados, Virginia, and Maryland. After completing their contracts, some chose to remain and build new lives in these regions.
Those who traveled during the colonial wave can often be found in historical records on MyHeritage, including collections such as “Passenger and Immigration Lists, 1500 – 1900.” These records include individuals like William Brewster, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 with his wife Mary and their sons, Love and Wrestling. Additional records show that other family members followed in later voyages, illustrating how migration often occurred in stages.
The post-Napoleonic surge (1815–1844)
This migration wave began after the end of the Napoleonic Wars, which concluded with the Second Treaty of Paris. The return of approximately 400,000 soldiers to Britain created significant economic pressure, as many struggled to find employment.
At the same time, industries across Britain and Ireland were undergoing major changes. Farmers faced rising debt, while industrialization reduced the demand for manual labor in sectors such as textiles and manufacturing. In regions like the Scottish Highlands and parts of Ireland, land clearances forced many small-scale farmers off their land.
As a result, emigration became an attractive option. Between 1815 and 1844, it is estimated that around one million people left the U.K. and Ireland for the U.S.
New farming opportunities await
For many migrants, the U.S. offered a fresh start. Land was significantly more affordable, and expanding cities created demand for skilled workers such as carpenters, masons, and weavers.
Letters sent home by early migrants often encouraged others to follow, creating chain migration patterns that shaped entire communities.
Travel routes also evolved during this time. Many migrants chose to travel via Canada, as it was often cheaper, and then continued overland to the U.S. If you find a record of an ancestor arriving in Canada, check whether their final destination was listed as the United States.
Passenger lists from this period provide valuable insights. For example, records of the ship John William, which departed from Ireland in 1822, show families and young couples relocating. Occupations listed include farmer, distiller, weaver, and carpenter, reflecting the economic pressures that drove migration.
Passenger list of ship John William which departed from Ireland in 1822
The Great Famine and industrial era (1845–1860)
This period includes one of the most significant and tragic migration events in history: the Great Famine in Ireland. A widespread failure of the potato crop led to the deaths of around one million people, while another 1.5 million emigrated. A large proportion of these emigrants chose the U.S. as their destination. The impact on Ireland’s population was profound, and many families were permanently separated.
Conditions during these journeys were often extremely difficult. Overcrowded ships and poor sanitation contributed to high mortality rates, with some voyages seeing death rates as high as 30%.
Alongside Irish migrants, individuals from England, Wales, and Scotland also emigrated during this period. Industrialization continued to reshape the workforce, forcing many to choose between changing trades or seeking opportunities abroad.
Passport applications may give new leads
Records from this period can provide detailed insights into individual migration stories. The “United States Passport Applications, 1795–1925” collection, for example, includes valuable personal information.
One example is Patrick Joy, born in Portlaw, Waterford, Ireland, in 1843. His passport application records that he arrived in the U.S. in 1849 aboard the Lady Campbell and later settled in Syracuse, New York, where he lived for over 40 years. The document also names his father, Richard Joy, offering an important clue for further research.
Passport application of Patrick Joy
Additional passenger lists from this era include individuals like John Cahill, a 23-year-old Irish farmer who traveled from Liverpool to New York in 1849 aboard the ship John Baring. These records highlight the scale and urgency of migration during the famine years.
The “new immigration” transition (1870–1920)
Migration patterns continued to evolve during this period. While people from the U.K. and Ireland continued to relocate, this era also saw increased migration from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Groups arriving from the U.K. and Ireland included skilled industrial workers such as engineers and weavers, as well as single women seeking employment as domestic servants.
A new traveling experience
Advancements in transportation significantly changed the migration experience. Journeys that once took weeks or months could now be completed in a matter of days, making travel more accessible and affordable.
This shift also led to an increase in repeat journeys, with some individuals traveling back and forth between Britain and the U.S. for work.
Immigration records became more detailed during this time, particularly after the opening of Ellis Island in 1892. These records often include information such as last residence, relatives in the U.S., and physical descriptions.
Passenger lists from ships like the Furnessia, which departed Glasgow for New York in 1910, show entire families traveling together. Occupations listed include typists, engineers, miners, and weavers, providing insight into the economic landscape of the time.
Passenger list of ship Furnessia which departed Glasgow for New York in 1910
The post-war era, “brain drain,” and the Irish “new wave” (1945–present)
After World War II, migration to the U.S. took on new forms. Some individuals left Europe to rebuild their lives after the devastation of war, while others were drawn by economic opportunities.
One notable group included British war brides — women who married American soldiers during the war and later moved to the U.S. Records such as naturalization petitions provide detailed accounts of these transitions.
For example, the naturalization record of Elizabeth Vinson shows that she was born in Beckermet, England, in 1923 and married an American serviceman in 1944 before relocating to West Virginia.
Naturalization Record of Elizabeth Vinson
The “brain drain” of the 1950s to 1970s saw highly skilled professionals, including doctors and engineers, leave Britain for better salaries and working conditions in the U.S. Passenger lists from this period reflect this shift, showing more specialized occupations than earlier waves.
The Irish “new wave”
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Irish migration to the U.S. was driven largely by education and career opportunities. Many migrants were university graduates seeking international experience.
Unlike earlier waves, these migrations were not always permanent. Some individuals chose to return to Ireland after gaining experience abroad, while others settled long-term in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Boston.
Newspapers available on OldNews.com can provide additional context for these stories. Articles and obituaries often include detailed accounts of individuals’ lives and family origins. For example, accounts like that of Coleman Foley describe the life of an Irish immigrant who succeeded in achieving the American Dream, offering valuable context for genealogical research.
Coleman Foley in Northern Virginia Sun – August 1961
How to research your ancestors’ migration
Step 1: Start your search on MyHeritage
Begin by searching for your ancestors on MyHeritage. Enter names, locations, and estimated dates to uncover relevant matches and begin building your family tree.
Step 2: Explore historical records
Search billions of historical records to find passenger lists, census data, and immigration documents that reveal when and how your ancestors moved.
Step 3: Build and grow your family tree
As you discover new information, add it to your family tree to connect generations and better understand your family history.
Discover your family history with MyHeritage
MyHeritage helps you explore your family history, build your family tree, and search billions of historical records from around the world. By connecting documents, historical records, and family connections, you can uncover the stories behind your ancestors’ journeys and gain a deeper understanding of your heritage. What will you discover about your family’s past?
FAQs on migration waves from the U.K. and Ireland to the U.S.
What are migration waves?
Migration waves are periods when large numbers of people move from one place to another, often due to shared economic, political, or social factors.
Why did people leave the U.K. and Ireland for the U.S.?
Common reasons include religious persecution, economic hardship, famine, war, and the search for better opportunities.
What records can help trace immigrant ancestors?
Passenger lists, census records, passport applications, and newspaper articles are all valuable sources for tracing migration history.
How can MyHeritage help with family history research?
MyHeritage provides access to billions of historical records and allows users to build and grow a family tree, helping uncover connections and ancestral stories.
Can I find recent ancestors in historical records?
Yes, depending on availability and privacy restrictions, records from the 20th century may provide information about more recent generations.
Chloe O’Shea is an English genealogy specialist with an MA in Museum Studies and founder of The Past Revealed. She has authored several books, including Tracing your Staffordshire Ancestors (2025), and is a regular contributor to “Who Do You Think You Are?” Magazine, Family Tree, and Dorset Magazine. Her newest book, Tracing Your Ancestors Using Newspapers, is due for release at the end of April 2026.
