iGENEA DNA Test: Unraveling the Surprising Ancestry of Zeitler
Family name Zeitler
Undertaking the iGENEA DNA test journey, I delved into an engaging adventure of tracing my biological lineage. The results were revelationary, casting light not just on my German surname 'Zeitler', but also uncovering my Celtic and Sephardic roots. It surprises me to fathom the kaleidoscope of histories and cultures my ancestors came from, making my personal identity much more complex and interesting than I had ever thought.
From the moment I embarked on this journey of tracing my roots and understanding my genetic ancestry through iGENEA DNA testing, I knew it was bound to provide some surprises. Undoubtedly, it didn't disappoint. The biggest revelation was the origin of my surname 'Zeitler'.
The iGENEA DNA test, as it uncovers the genetic thread woven into our DNA, revealed some monumental facts about my ancestral roots. Contrary to what I had always believed, my family is not entirely of German origin. Yes, Zeitler is a German name, but my genetic composition traces back to various Celtic tribes of Europe, an absolute surprise!
A significant portion of my DNA is distinctly consistent with the genetics of the ancient Celts who populated parts of modern Western Europe like Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Spain and even Eastern Europe. This meant that at some point in the furthest reaches of my family history, my ancestors were likely Celts living in these regions!
The test also uncovered some links to Jewish Sephardic lineages, which was totally unexpected. The Sephardic Jews were once a prominent Jewish community based largely in Spain and Portugal until their expulsion in the late 15th Century. This information was baffling yet exciting, making me wonder how the migration of these ancestors took place over the centuries.
Regarding my Zeitler ancestors, the test suggested that the name may have originated from a Bavarian word "zeidlære," meaning a beekeeper or honey merchant. The name could have been occupational, possibly for someone from our family's past who worked as a beekeeper.
The test has inevitably deepened my fascination with my surname Zeitler, revealing a bunch of surprises. It has provided a more nuanced understanding of my identity and roots and sparked an interest to explore these unique heritages.
V. Zeitler