Unraveling my Rich Ancestry: The Historical Discoveries from my iGENEA DNA Test Onto the Estes Surname
Family name Estes
My recent iGENEA DNA test unraveled a captivating heritage tied to my surname - Estes. Initially introduced in England via the Norman Conquest, it evolved from being a title of strength to becoming synonymous with courage, nobility, and artistic patronage. It is a name that saw migration and historical influence, a part of my lineage that I never knew existed before this DNA test.
From my iGENEA DNA test, I traced the origins of my surname, Estes, to an enthralling historical lineage. The results came forth as nothing short of intriguing, transforming my understanding of my heritage.
The name Estes, I discovered, is of English roots, originating from an old Norman name 'Estouteville' or 'd'Estouteville,' meaning 'from the family of the strong vill.' It was initially brought to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, having been borne by several minor Norman Lords. As the centuries unfolded, the name evolved to lighten the tongue, and by the 13th century, it was commonly recorded as 'Estes' or 'Eastes.'
Historical records corroborate that several Esteses became part of the English tales of valor and nobility. In the 12th and 13th centuries, I found accounts of Estes men who were knights and warriors, their names in old English chronicles serving as homage to their brave deeds. It was uplifting to learn that my forebears played their part in shaping history!
Interestingly, I also traced the subset of the Estes lineage to Italy in the 14th century. A trace of Y-DNA, as per my iGENEA results, hints at migration from England to Northern Italy. This shift added a ripe blend of Italian culture to the already rich fabric of my ancestry.
The Estes of Italy left a significant mark in the field of arts and literature. Records suggest that many of them were patrons of the Renaissance, contributing significantly to the flourish of this period. In essence, my lineage got intertwined with the wave of enlightenment that swept across Europe.
For me, these revelations brought a renewed sense of belonging and appreciation of my identity. Acknowledging that I carry a piece of these historical events within me, the tales of valor, artistic influence, and adventurous migration, has indeed been enlightening.
Y. Estes