Surprises and Unexpected Turns: Discovering the Winding Journey of my Surname, Mai, through an iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Mai
Ever been curious about your genealogical origins? I chose to delve into this quest with a DNA test from iGENEA. The report I received, filled with unexpected turns and surprises, took me on a fascinating journey. Unveiling the history and diaspora of my surname, Mai, and discovering a vast and complex mosaic of my genetic heritage has been enlightening.
I recently received the results of my iGENEA DNA test and my ancestry report has been a whirlwind of surprises and unexpected turns. For starters, the test revealed that my surname, Mai, originated not from Germany as expected, but from China. A surprise indeed! Also, the test results illustrate that my ancestors migrated to Europe from Asia many centuries ago.
Furthermore, the IGENEA DNA test showed that in the paternal line, I belong to the haplogroup R1a, a group typically found in East Europe and Asia. This was another fascinating discovery that broadens my understanding of my roots and heritage. It stirred a keen interest in me to dig deeper in history and learn more about these migrations and the cultures of my ancient forefathers.
Very intriguing was the fact that despite the Asian origin of my surname, the test revealed that approximately 70% of my genetic material originates from Western Europe, particularly Scandinavia. This discovery highlights the fantastic mosaic of cultures and migrations that make up my genetic identity.
Another unexpected twist came from the maternal line. The DNA test traced me back to haplogroup H, which is common among the Berber population in North Africa. This heritage is hard to align with my surname and my known family history and makes me wonder how the circumstances led my foremothers from the warm landscapes of Africa to cold Scandinavia and Europe.
Also noteworthy was the percentage of Jewish ancestry in my genes. This part of my heritage was entirely unknown to me, which encourages me to explore that side of my family history too. Indeed, this test has been an eye-opener in many ways and a starting point for my journey into the past.
Lastly, the test showed a strongly diverse DNA mixture, which I had not expected. It left me in awe of the complexity and richness of our human history and the genetic signatures each one of us carries. With each new revelation, my curiosity is piqued even further, surprising me and making me eager to continue the exploration of my genealogical journey.
K. Mai