Unraveling the Harkins Family History: An Enlightening DNA Journey with iGENEA
Family name Harkins
Embarking on a journey of familial discovery with iGENEA allowed me to delve deeper into the roots of my Harkins family name. Originating from an ancient Irish clan, my Harkins lineage traced its roots back to County Donegal, Ireland. Immersing myself in this history expanded my understanding of my family’s heritage and added substantial depth to my personal identity. Discovering inherent bonds of family lineage with a simple DNA test, was both fascinating and enlightening.
About a year ago, curiosity about my family's ancestral roots led me to iGENEA, a Swiss DNA testing company. As a person bearing the name Harkins, for me, this was not just a quest for self-identity but a need to connect with a lineage that has stood the test of time.
The prelude to the DNA test was straightforward and was handled with precision and professionalism. I was aware the journey might unravel findings I was not prepared to handle, but the excitement overshadowed any underlying concerns. From mailing my saliva sample via the provided DNA kit to the analysis and feedback, the organization and execution of the whole process were top-class.
Diving into the results, I was fascinated by what I learned about the Harkins family name. The Harkins surname, originating in Ireland, traced its roots back to an ancient Irish clan known as O’Hannigan who changed their name to Harkin as a consequence of the Irish diaspora. The 'O' in front of Irish surnames signifies a descendant or grandchild, therefore, the name O’Hannigan would mean a descendant of Hannigan. The name Harkins is one of the multiple variations of Harkin and came into existence during our ancestor's immigration to the United States.
The amazement did not end there. The DNA analysis further expanded on the history of the Harkins family. Our ancestors lived in County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland, a place known for its mythology and folklore. The DNA analysis provided a map of their migration, tracing the journey from Ireland to North America. Also, I learned my paternal haplogroup was R-M269, which is one of the most common in Western Europe. This certainly affirmed my Celtic roots.
Unearthing this backdrop to the Harkins family tree has expanded my understanding of my family history in ways I could not have anticipated. It has bonded me more strongly to my family, enhanced my sense of self-identity, and added considerable depth to the meaning of the name Harkins, a name I bear with increased pride and honor.
This journey of self-discovery, thanks to iGENEA, has been a mesmerizing one. It’s fascinating how a simple DNA test could unfold such rich historical and familial data and provide me the opportunity to relive the story of my ancestors. Moving forward, I look at my Harkins name differently, with a renewed respect and curiosity about the past, that shapes my understanding of the present.
H. Harkins