A Journey Beyond Surnames: Discovering my Hidden Ancestry through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Norris
Through a simple iGENEA DNA test, I unexpectedly discovered that my family's lineage extends far beyond the English heritage that my surname Norris initially suggests. The test results exposed a part of my DNA story which contains exciting Irish and Scandinavian chapters, catapulting me on a quest to reevaluate my identity and familial past.
I never could have anticipated the impact that taking an iGENEA DNA test would have on my perspective of my own identity. The small, swabbed sample I sent away held secrets about my ancestry that caused me to reconsider my surname, Norris, and the ancestry it implies. The results were far from what I had anticipated: rather than a predominantly English heritage as I expected, there was a significant Irish and Scandinavian element in my genetic makeup.
The Irish element was a significant surprise, as I had never considered the possibility of being Irish. My family has always identified as English, yet here before me was solid evidence of Irish ancestry. I wondered about the story behind this and how it was lost in family conversations. Our Norris surname was now not only just an English name, but a name that encompassed a rich and unexpected Irish lineage.
Equally as intriguing was the presence of Scandinavian DNA. The thought of Vikings in my lineage was immediately thrilling. I felt a connection to a part of history I had only ever read about, and it made me feel part of a larger narrative.
Suddenly, the surname Norris felt richer, more complex than before. It became less about a label and more about a storied past spanning across countries and centuries. It was like discovering a storybook of my family history, and it made me feel more grounded in the world and more intimately connected to my roots.
In terms of personal identity, the results significantly altered my perspective. I discovered that my family, my lineage and myself are products of diverse cultures, bloodlines, and historical events. I am not just a Norris used to signify one heritage, but I am a part of a tapestry that weaves together multiple nations and histories. An iGENEA DNA test not only broadened my consideration of my surname Norris but enriched my sense of identity and attachment to my family’s deeper story.
I. Norris