Revealing History with a Swab: My iGENEA DNA Test Journey and Surprising Ancestry of Hampel
Family name Hampel
"Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it," goes an old aphorism. In my case, taking an iGENEA DNA test has transformed my perception of my family lineage in a truly insightful manner. The test lifted the veil on my partial Austrian and Polish ancestry and uncovered my ancient Jewish roots, both linked to the surname Hampel.
To say that my iGENEA DNA test result was an eye-opening revelation would be an understatement. After sending a straightforward swab I didn't expect much, but as I delved deep into the details of the report, I discovered heritage mysteries unfolding right before my eyes. The biggest surprise of all revolved around my surname, Hampel, which has much richer history than I had ever imagined.
Embracing a wide range of possible geographical origins, the most extensive presence of the Hampel surname seems to be in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Poland. I was aware of my family's German roots but was not expecting to see such a significant presence in Austria and Poland. The origin of Hampel in these regions dates back to the medieval era, tied to a historical profession of rope-maker.
The DNA test further brought the unexpected discovery that the Hampel name has Jewish Ashkenazi roots. Considering my family's history, this was a complete surprise. It appears that somewhere along the lines, branches of the Hampel family tree converted to Christianity, and their Jewish heritage gradually faded into obscurity.
Another intriguing find was the genetic makeup of my paternal line. According to the DNA test, I carry the rare and ancient haplogroup T-M70, found frequently among populations in the Fertile Crescent, the cradle of human civilization. This suggests a notable shift in human migration patterns dating as far back as the Neolithic era.
Overall, the iGENEA DNA test paints a vivid picture of my ancestral journey. One that is intertwined with history, culture, and a hearty tale of survival. The information has provided me with a richer understanding of my surname, Hampel, and my ancestors' migratory patterns and broadened my view on the intertwining of religion, culture, and DNA. It's fascinating to realize that a simple swab can provide insights into our complex ancestral dynamics.
X. Hampel