Unraveling Ancestry: The Unexpected Insights from iGENEA DNA Test on Neely Lineage
Family name Neely
With the help of a DNA test at iGENEA, I have unraveled an unexpected and diverse genetic history of my Neely ancestors; altering my understanding of self and emphasizing a sense of belonging to a larger historical narrative.
The DNA test at iGENEA has provided me a comprehensive window into my ancestry, most particularly concerning my Neely lineage. I always knew I carried a part of my Neely forebears in me, but the detailed genetic analysis has pushed open the doors to a vast historical landscape I was mostly unaware of, profoundly transforming my understanding of myself and my roots.
My Neely ancestors, I have now found, were not just Irish as I had earlier presumed but were part of larger Celtic Diaspora from Western Europe. This revelation was a surprise, considering our family's association with Ireland for generations. The iGENEA results identified me as part of Haplogroup R1b, common among the people of Western Europe, revealing a diverse genetic history that traces back to early Celtic tribes, way before they were identified as ‘Neely’ in Ireland and Scotland.
My understanding of my genetic roots was further enriched by the discovery of shared DNA markers with distinctive blacksmithing communities scattered across Europe. This explains the recurring blacksmith theme in family narratives, with the oldest known Neely ancestor being a blacksmith in Ulster, Ireland in the 17th century.
Intriguingly, iGENEA's DNA test pieced together the migratory narrative of the Neely clan. I learned that these early Celtic ancestors journeyed from the Iberian Peninsula, through France, Wales, and into Scotland, before finally settling in Ireland. The migratory trajectory of the Neely clan serves as a historical echo, resounding through time in the form of shared family habits – our love for travel, linguistic skills and the pronounced artistry that is quite common among us.
Incontestably, the DNA test has been an enlightening experience. I feel more connected to my ancestors now, knowing our shared diverse history. The unexpected insights about my Neely lineage have undoubtedly changed my self-perception and fostered a deeper sense of belonging. I now comprehend myself as a small yet significant part of an extensive historical narrative that lingers in each cell of my body.
Q. Neely