What is a Surname DNA project?
A Surname DNA Project is a group of genealogy researchers who share a surname, or a genetic link to the surname, and who join together to use DNA testing, paper trails, and research to identify those with whom they share a common ancestor.
Typically, one or two researchers provide leadership for the project, coordinating the collection and display of pedigrees, the correlation of pedigrees to resultsi and the presentation of results. They also share the project learnings with the members and coordinate the efforts to increase interest and awareness in the project. Note: most surname projects include a number of spelling variations - which may share common ancestry - as many families shortened or modified their names as they moved to a new culture..
Why join a Surname DNA project?
A surname DNA project can help you confirm relationships identified by traditional genealogy, to locate related families lost through the passage of time, and to identify the origin of the family’s early ancestors. The aim for many participants is to identify a participant who "matches" their test results, and who can help them find the paper trail that leads further back up the family tree.
Large surname projects may work to catalog all known families carrying the surname. As many surnames have evolved over time, a common approach is to open a surname project to all known spellings.
In addition, tests cost less when you order them through a surname project at Family Tree DNA.
y-DNA correlates with the surname, as both y-DNA and the surname are passed down from father to son in patriarchal societies. This makes a surname project is a particularly effective place to look for genetic relatives. By using the results of DNA testing, participants can identify those individuals with whom they share a common ancestor. When the DNA information is combined with family pedigrees and other relevant information, the full power of Genetic Genealogyi is utilized.
How do I find a surname project?
1. You can use our search box, which is located in the far left part of the Banner at the top of the page. Simply type in the surname and hit "Enter". You can "toggle" your search between "Our Site" and the "Surname Projects and Sites" by changing the selection (located directly under "Search"
2. You can search through our alphabetic listing. Click on "Surname Projects" in the banner menu. Then, you can click on the first letter of the surname and then scroll down as you search for your surname.
3. If you don't find a project at our site, you can search at FTDNA's site, where they also provide a Soundex feature. You can select "sounds like" when you do your search and see what similar surnames have their own project.
4. If all else fails, contact us and request that we set up a surname project for your use
