A New Perspective on My Surname and Identity: Experiencing the iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Kinney
Undertaking the iGENEA DNA test was more than just discovering my biological ancestry; it was a journey of self-discovery that has allowed me to reevaluate the significance of my surname 'Kinney'. The test didn't just inform me about my heritage but enabled me to understand and appreciate the diversity and complexity embedded in my family identity.
The experience of taking the iGENEA DNA test has stretched and reshaped my understanding of my surname, Kinney, and overall family identity. The revelation of my test results wasn't just about tracing the geographical influences linked to my ancestors but also unexpectedly amending the narrative of my family tree.
The dominant percentage of my DNA marked its origin from Northern Europe, particularly Ireland, which wasn't surprising. However, the results of my DNA test also displayed genetic traces from Western Europe, North Africa, and even a small percentage from the Middle Eastern regions. These surprising elements have painted a far more complex, vibrant and fascinating heritage than I had previously understood.
The surname 'Kinney' is of Irish origin, denoting 'son of Coinneach'. Holding onto this name, I felt I am carrying a single linear narrative of my paternal lineage. Nevertheless, the information unearthed by iGENEA has made me perceive it differently. It is not merely a marker of Irish heritage but a representation of a larger, global familial culture.
My surname Kinney, thus, is not just an Irish name, but a symbol of a genetic melting pot reflecting the migrations, interactions and tales of survival of my ancestors from different continents. It upholds the spirit of human pursuit, expansion, diversity, and conquest.
Additionally, the test also helped me connect with distant relatives, some even inhabiting other continents. The test affirmed the truth about how interconnected we are as a species, despite the tangible borders.
This has undeniably influenced my feelings about my family identity. I am not just a person bearing a common Irish surname, but a descendant of various ancestral lines traced through different continents. It implies that my family’s identity is interlaced with the stories and histories of various cultures and ages.
Overall, the iGENEA DNA test has added multiple layers to my understanding of my identity. I am now proud to adopt a more collective identity reflecting the diversity, and resilience of my ancestors to adapt and survive. It fills me with immense pride and intrigue as I carry forward the legacy of my surname 'Kinney' in a renewed fashion.
J. Kinney