Unravelling the Threads of My Past: My DNA Analysis Experience and the History Behind the 'Robles' Surname at iGENEA
Family name Robles
Having undergone a DNA analysis at iGENEA, I've unearthed exciting aspects of my ancestral roots, particularly surrounding my family name 'Robles.' The experience has delved into origins based in Spain, potential Sephardic Jewish ties and Moorish heritage, forming the tapestry of my familial history.
Through my experience with iGENEA, I embarked on an incredible journey of self-discovery and heritage tracing. I decided to get DNA analysis intending to understand my ancestral roots and the history behind my family name 'Robles.' The testing process was simple enough, requiring only a cheek swab sample that was then analyzed for Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups, providing insights into both my paternal and maternal lineages.
Excitedly, I waited for the results, and I was not disappointed, as the report was as comprehensive as I had hoped. It revealed that the family name 'Robles' has its roots based primarily in Spain, which was not entirely surprising, given the name’s linguistic origins in Spanish (meaning 'oaks'). The report further outlined the significant migrations and events that my ancestors had potentially been a part of.
Interestingly, a large percentage of 'Robles' families were found in Andalusia, Spain, in the 16th century. It would seem my ancestors had a rural life, given the surname's origin, often derived from people who lived or worked in or around forests of oak trees.
The DNA report further suggested that my ancestors might have been Sephardic Jews exiled from Spain during the 15th-century Reconquista period, which coincided with the Spanish Inquisition. This historical event led to a diaspora of sorts, with many 'Robles' families scattering to Latin America and other parts of the globe.
Upon learning about my Sephardic Jewish roots, I felt a profound sense of connection—with the past and with a culture and history that, until that moment, had been largely abstract. It was an enlightening revelation and a nuanced layer added to my personal identity.
Further, the Y-DNA results corroborated the lineage of the 'Robles' name on the paternal side, revealing a haplogroup common in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, suggesting the existence of Moorish heritage.
Remarkably, my DNA experience with iGENEA has connected all the disparate threads of my lineage, narrating an enriched story of the 'Robles' families' origin and journey. It was a stepping stone in understanding not just my genealogy, but also the historical and cultural factors that influenced my family's migration and lifestyle patterns. One test has expanded my comprehension of my family's narrative, turning abstract history into a personal backstory.
A. Robles