Ashby Ancestry Unveiled: Discovering Germanic, Viking, Celtic and Jewish Links through iGENEA DNA Testing
Family name Ashby
My journey with iGENEA DNA testing has been an enlightening exploration into my Ashby lineage. What seemed a standard English heritage presented surprising turns, leading to a weave of cultures and histories. From Germanic roots to Viking connections, Celtic ties, and increased likelihood of Jewish roots, my ancestry tapestry is richer than imagined.
As an individual inherently interested in my ancestral roots, diving into iGENEA DNA testing in relation to my Ashby surname has been a captivating pursuit. The results were an enlightening revelation of my ancient roots, offering surprises along the encounter.
Upon receiving my results, my first surprise was seeing Germanic origins linked to my Ashby surname. I had always assumed my ancestors were primarily British. Ashby is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from Ashby, a place in several English Counties, meaning 'Ash-tree farm.' However, the testing indicated that my Ashby lineage carries the marker I-M223, a significant haplogroup in Northern Europe, particularly in Germany, which suggested a possible Germanic lineage.
What I found equally surprising was a remarkable connection with the Vikings. My DNA traces indicated a link to a specific Viking tribe, the Varangians. The Varangians, originally Vikings from Scandinavia, were known as adventurous traders, explorers, and fierce warriors. This connection gives me a newfound perspective on the Ashby family's rich, ancient history and a thrilling connection to such a formidable tribe.
The test also revealed an unexpected link to the Celts, specifically from the Gaelic lineage with the Halpogroup R-L21. It was a fascinating find, as the Celts were known to dominate Western Europe around 2,000 years ago, and it was intriguing to learn I share ancestry with the Celts along with the Ashby heritage.
Additionally, the Jewish-Roots findings had been unexpected. They showed me, as an Ashby, the odds of having Jewish heritage were "slightly raised." It was an unexpected twist and another rich layer added to my ancestral narrative.
Y. Ashby