Turning the family tree into clues
- List the relatives you want in the puzzle and write a clue about each person.
- Check that every name found a place, and use a nickname for any that did not.
- Print it for the reunion table, or frame a copy as a present.
Make a list of the people you want in the puzzle: grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the newest baby, and the dog if it counts as family. First names are the usual answers; nicknames, married names or the family surnames on each side work just as well for a large extended family.
Clues can describe how someone is related ("Dad's older sister"), what they are known for ("Makes the stuffing every year"), where they live ("Moved to Toronto in 2019") or a story everyone remembers. A mix of the three lets the youngest players solve the relationship clues while the adults enjoy the stories.
When two relatives share a name, use a nickname or a full name for one of them, so each answer is different and solvers are not left wondering which clue goes where.
Names that cross each other
A crossword needs shared letters, and most names have plenty. Short names with uncommon letters, such as JO or IVY, can be hard to place on their own; if one is listed under the grid as not placed, add another name with a letter in common, use a longer form of the name, or press the button for another layout.
Double names are fine: the space or hyphen is left out of the grid, so MARY ANN takes seven squares, while the answer key shows the name as you typed it. Names from other languages are welcome too: accented letters as in JOSÉ or ZOË, Cyrillic, Greek or Korean names each take one square per letter or syllable, which suits families spread across countries.
Games for reunions, holidays and gifts
At a family reunion, pair a grandparent with a grandchild and let each pair solve a copy together: the young ones read and write, the old ones know the stories. At a holiday meal, print one per place setting as a placemat game. It is also a gentle way for new in-laws and partners to learn who is who.
As a gift for grandparents, write a clue about each grandchild, add the family surname as the hidden solution word, and frame the finished puzzle. You can also download the PNG images, a zip with one image per page (the puzzle, then the answer key), to add the puzzle to a photo book, a calendar page or a family newsletter.
Frequently asked questions
Can every answer in the crossword be a name?
Yes. Names are words like any other, and they cross wherever they share a letter. A puzzle of eight to fifteen family names usually lays out well; if one name will not fit, add another name or use a nickname that shares more letters with the rest.
What clues can I write about family members?
How they are related ("Mum's youngest brother"), what they do or love ("Grows prize-winning tomatoes"), where they live, or a family story ("Locked the car keys in the car, twice"). Relationship clues help children; stories make the adults laugh.
What if a name will not fit into the grid?
It is listed under the grid and marked in your list. A name that shares no letter with the others cannot cross them: add a name it can cross, use a longer or shorter form of it, or try another layout.
Can I use names with accents or from other alphabets?
Yes. Each letter, accented letter or syllable takes one square, so names such as RENÉE, ŁUKASZ or 지민 fit as they are. The grid shows them in capitals according to the rules of the language you write in.
Is the family name crossword a good gift for grandparents?
It makes a thoughtful one: a clue about each grandchild, the family surname as the hidden solution word, and the finished puzzle in a frame or a photo book. Print the answer key too, in case anyone needs a hint.