A Riveting Ancestral Odyssey Detected Through an iGENEA DNA Test: Surprising Celtic, Viking, and Roman Connections of the Graves Surname
Family name Graves
Delving into my family's genealogical journey via an iGENEA DNA test, I unmasked astonishing connections to distinct historical personas. My surname - Graves - took on an entirely new identity, tracing roots back to the Celts, Vikings, and even the Romans.
Upon receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, I was flabbergasted by some unexpected revelations that reshaped what I knew about my family history.
The name Graves, my family's surname has always held a sense of mystique for me. Little did I know that this name would unlock a hidden ancestry that transcends borders and epochs. The iGENEA report revealed a genetic connection that I wouldn't have imagined - a significant trace of Celtic genes, suggesting that my ancestors likely hailed from the British Isles. Already, this was a turn of events that was intriguing yet confounding, knowing that my family had long been rooted in North America.
But the surprises did not stop there. The DNA test also suggested a strong connection to the Viking era. Analysis showed the presence of the 'R1b haplogroup' - a prolific genetic marker amongst the Norwegian and Swedish Vikings. This revelation left me stunned and in awe. The idea that my ancestors could have been part of the legendary Viking raids was nothing short of incredible.
Equally baffling was the revelation about a possible link to the Roman Empire. A further detailed analysis pointed towards E1b1b lineage - prevalent among the ancient Romans. This lineage might hint that, at some point in history, one of my forefathers might have sailed with a Roman Legion.
The Graves name, perhaps, has evolved over the centuries, touched by different cultures, and molded by changing times. What I knew initially as a simple, unadorned family name has now morphed into an intriguing story that is much more profound and exciting than I could have ever imagined.
N. Graves