Viking Blood in the Gardner Family: Revealing my Unexpected Ancestral Heritage through DNA Testing
Family name Gardner
The personal significance of my iGENEA DNA test has been profound, revealing unexpected Scandinavian roots that have reshaped my understanding of my Gardner surname and my family identity. This newfound connection to a diverse heritage has not only ignited my curiosity but also has instilled in me a sense of belonging and identity.
The results from my iGENEA DNA test had a profound impact on how I view my surname, Gardner, and my overall family identity. By connecting me to my ancestral past, these results opened up an entirely new understanding of my roots. I feel I have discovered a part of me that was hidden behind the veil of time.
The test results revealed that I possess a significant amount of Scandinavian DNA, indicating a strong Norse heritage. This was a surprising revelation, as there was no known or spoken connection to a Scandinavian past within my family. In contrast, the Gardner name, as far as family lore went, was thought to have English origins. Coming to terms with this divergent narrative switched on a curiosity in me to explore this burnished facet of my family heritage.
With the newfound understanding, I began intensive research into the Gardner family lineage, tracing the Scandinavian connection I'd never known existed. The results invigorated my sense of belonging, changing how I identified with my inherited surname. From a mere familial identification, Gardner has become a token of my forgotten ancestors – the brave Norse men and women who may have been Vikings!
One of my most profound revelatory experiences was during a trip to Norway, where I walked along the same lands I imagine my ancestors once did. This connection to a geographical location, paired with the newly discovered historical lineage, instilled a deeper sense of belonging and identity that I had not experience before.
This evolutionary journey - initiated by a simple DNA test - has extended my perception of the self. I have discovered connections and histories I didn't know were mine to claim. I feel richer for understanding that I am not just an individual, but a fascinating tapestry of so many souls that lived and breathed centuries before me. I am not just a Gardner by surname. I am a Gardner standing on the shoulder of Viking ancestors, looking back at the past and forward to the future full of possibilities.
Z. Gardner