Discovering The Unexpected Origins & Lineages: A Voyage Through My Wilks Surname With iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Wilks
Deciding to undertake the iGENEA DNA test was a turning point for me, not only offering a glimpse into the lives of my ancestors but drastically altering my understanding of my own identity. The most astonishing revelation was the unexpected origins and lineage of my surname, Wilks. Established beliefs about our family were upended as the test traced the Wilks lineage back to Jewish Ashkenazi roots, revealing surprising paths of migration and ancient connections that added unexpected richness and complexity to my sense of self.
DNA tests are a journey through time and space, offering glimpses into our ancestors' lives. When I decided to undertake the iGENEA DNA test, I knew I was embarking on a fascinating voyage, but I was not prepared for the unexpected surprises that awaited me.
The most startling revelation involved my own surname - Wilks. I've always taken pride in being a Wilks, seeing this name as part of my identity. However, the iGENEA DNA test results made me realize how little I truly knew about my family's history.
To my astonishment, the test revealed that the Wilks surname originated from Eastern Europe, contrary to my understanding that we were rooted in England. Even more surprising was the fact that the DNA traced back to Jewish Ashkenazi lineages, dating back to the 18th century. While my family has always identified as Christian, it seems we have Jewish roots. This discovery left me intrigued and wanting to delve deeper into my newfound Jewish ancestry.
Further interesting twists revolved around our genetic lineage, revealing impressive routes of migration. It appears that my ancestors were part of the Ashkenazi Jewish population that moved from Eastern to Northern Europe before eventually migrating to the British Isles. I could hardly contain my fascination at the resilience and adaptive endurance of my ancestors, vividly illustrated through the DNA report.
My Y-DNA haplogroup turned out to be E-M35, predominantly found in Africa and the Near East. This suggested an ancient migration out of Africa into Europe by way of the Near East, painting an incredible picture of human movement and survival over thousands of years.
The iGENEA DNA test has certainly been an eye-opening experience for me. It's one thing to read about global migration patterns and cultural exchanges, but seeing them play out in your own genetic history is something else entirely. This test has shown me that our surnames are more than just labels; they carry the weight of our ancestors' lives, their journeys, their struggles, and their triumphs.
X. Wilks