Voyages and Vikings: A surprising twist in my Arlt ancestry through iGENEA DNA testing
Family name Arlt
My journey into ancestral discovery through the iGENEA DNA test provided some surprising turns. While I was aware of my German heritage connected to the Arlt surname, the revelation of a stronger Scandinavian ancestry left me re-evaluating my understanding of my family's historical narrative. The test opened an unexpected door to the adventurous world of the Vikings, breathing a new life into the Arlt lineage.
Upon receiving the results of my iGENEA DNA test, I experienced a plethora of feelings ranging from excitement to surprise. I was amazed at how the minuscule strands of DNA could link back to a history thousands of years old, showcasing my roots and heritage. The surprises did not end there, though. The results knocked me off my feet and revealed a remarkable lineage tied to my last name – Arlt.
Most surprising, my DNA test showed unexpected Scandinavian ancestry. These genetic results contradicted my long-held belief that the Arlt surname stemmed entirely from a German heritage. My ancestors had a history of residing in the Northwest mountains of Germany; however, my genetic history painted a far more Nordic story. It was an unexpected turn and certainly required a re-evaluation of my family heritage.
Further exploration into the roots of the Arlt surname revealed more surprises. As per the iGENEA test, there were strong links suggesting the Arlt name crossed continents, patches of history, and was part of larger migratory patterns. More specifically, it linked the name Arlt to the 'Vikings' - a term synonymous with old Nordic tribes that lived during the Viking Age.
The Viking linkage amazed me for two significant reasons. Firstly, the unexpected connection drastically diversified my family history which was presumed primarily German. Secondly, it added a gripping layer of adventurous and courageous narratives attached with the fearless Viking explorers.
In hindsight, the link between the surname Arlt and the historic Vikings seemed to make sense. Taking a deeper dive into both Viking and Germanic history, I discovered the link. Vikings frequently traveled to and settled in Germany during the Viking Age, resulting in a possible intermingling of cultures, families, and surnames.
Through my iGENEA DNA test, my understanding of my own identity and lineage took a surprising and illuminating turn. The Arlt surname represented far more than just a name. It was a rich tapestry of DNA, reflecting a diverse gene pool and echoing stories of courageous voyages and ancient civilizations.
U. Arlt