Unraveling History and Building Connections: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience as a Stephen
Family name Stephen
Recently, the iGENEA DNA test allowed me to discover the cultural roots of my last name, Stephen, linking me to the familial tapestry scattered worldwide. The journey illuminated my heritage, provided unexpected connections, and strengthened my sense of identity.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to delve into my familial history using the iGENEA DNA test. I found the process incredibly illuminating, gratifying, and straightforward. Coming from a long line of Stephens, I had always been curious about the origins of my last name, its history, and its distribution across the globe. Indeed, there's something intrinsically fascinating about unearthing the mysteries of your lineage, which the iGENEA DNA test so masterfully enables.
Upon receiving the DNA kit, the procedure was simple - a swap, a sealed envelope, and a trip to the post office. The weeks until the results felt like an eternity, nonetheless, when the day arrived, the results were beyond my expectation. Learning that my last name, Stephen, traced back to a small village in the south of England, shared by a few dozen individuals during the 11th century was a revelation.
The DNA test unveiled a fascinating history, showing that the Stephens diversified, gradually making their way to other parts of Europe and eventually crossing the ocean. It was particularly intriguing to learn of a prominent migration from Britain to Canada in the early 20th century, aligning perfectly with my great-great-grandfather's voyage during that era.
The most rewarding aspect was the connectivity the iGENEA database provided. Once my results were added to the database, I discovered a myriad of individuals across the globe also bearing the surname Stephen. Apparently having the same root origin and sharing a significant amount of DNA, we were possibly distant relatives from across the continents! This unveiling allowed for communication and sharing of individual family histories, knitting a fabric of extensive familial connections previously unknown.
The iGENEA DNA test has been a truly enriching experience. I went into it looking for historical curiosity and emerged with a profound connection to my lineage, newfound distant relatives, and a sense of shared familial identity. However, it is more than just a test. It’s a journey into your past, a process of self-discovery, and, ultimately, a bridge linking you to others. I recommend the iGENEA DNA test to anyone who values unravelling their lineage's threads, understanding their surname's history, and encountering distant cousins!
D. Stephen