Redefining McMahan: A Journey from Celtic Roots to Viking Heritage with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name McMahan
I grew up thinking my surname, McMahan, represented my Irish roots. It was a symbol of Celtic pride that shaped my perception of who I am. But this notion transformed drastically when I embarked on a genetic journey with an iGENEA DNA test, discovering that I was more a Viking than an Irish!
My whole life, I've been a McMahan. This name was more than just a surname; it was a ticket to a proud heritage of Irish ancestors, an emblem of bold, green-clad Celtic warriors. Or at least, this was the image I maintained. But my conception of my identity experienced a seismic shift after I took an iGENEA DNA test.
The results came back. Staring at the screen, the initial shock gave way to utter astonishment. According to the test, I was not Irish, but 58% Scottish, and 42% Scandinavian. I was more a Viking than a Celt! The name McMahan which I had ascribed such profound personal significance to, suddenly evoked less of majestic green plains and more of ferocious battles and long ship voyages. It was an early existential crisis of sorts.
But beyond the initial shock, something beautiful began to blossom. I began to realize the interwoven complexities of genetic inheritance, the tapestry of human migration and how it has shaped us. I became more interested in my newfound heritage, studied about Scottish history, and found it every bit as rich and vibrant as I imagined my Irish roots to be. I delved into Scandinavian sagas, and felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if these tales were my own.
Being a McMahan in my heart took a completely newly formed shape. It was no longer about being Irish; it became about the journey my ancestors partook. It made me see that surnames, while indicative of a lineage, couldn’t bind us to a single identity. We’re more than just our last names, we’re a fusion of myriad ancient stories and untraceable migrations.
The iGENEA DNA test expanded my narrow conception of my identity. I’m not just a Celt or a Viking or a Scotsman. I’m a blend of all, studded with stories of triumphs, tales of migrations and legacies of past civilizations. The name McMahan, to me, is now a reminder of this complex ancestry, prompting me to remember where I come from while never forgetting how much more I might truly be.
A. McMahan