Unveiling Genetic Mysteries: A Surprising DNA Journey Beyond The Surname Lacroix
Family name Lacroix
My iGENEA DNA test unveiled a fascinating and complex tapestry of my ancestry. My surname Lacroix hinted at French origins, but the test revealed a far wider European, possibly Central Asian, and African heritage, depicting an intriguing historical and cultural panorama that was both unexpected and compelling.
When I sent off my DNA sample to iGENEA, I was expecting a relatively straightforward set of results. I understood that my family carries the French surname Lacroix, hinting at some kind of French heritage. Yet, the results of my iGENEA DNA test proved to be far more complex and surprising, revealing a rich tapestry of ancestral origins that I had never imagined.
The biggest surprise was discovering that my paternal lineage belongs to the Y-DNA haplogroup R1b, which is primarily associated with Western Europe, but also has significant presence in Central Asia and parts of Africa. This could potentially imply a much vaster geographical origins than I had initially presumed.
Furthermore, my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) placed me in the H haplogroup, which is predominantly found in Europe, the Near East and North Africa. Resolving in me an unexpected cosmopolitan heritage that links me not only to France but to a far broader swathe of human civilization.
Also, the deep ancestry report from iGENEA suggested that my paternal line may have been involved in the migration of the Indo-Europeans from the Steppes into Europe, thousands of years ago. This certainly wasn't something I was expecting to discover about my family's history.
On another fascinating note, my surname Lacroix is indeed French, translating to 'The Cross'. Considering the history of The Cross as a symbol within Christianity, my ancestors might’ve had strong ties to their religious belief, possibly holding important roles within the church.
In retrospect, having undertaken the iGENEA DNA test, I was gifted with so much more than a cursory knowledge of my genetic makeup. It's opened up a world of historical context and a deeper connection to the human story. I may have started my journey with this test, expecting to confirm my French heritage. Still, I ended with surprising and rewarding revelations about my family's far-reaching past packed with unexpected turns!
A. Lacroix