Tracing My Roots: The Unexpected Journey from Welsh to Eastern Europe through iGENEA
Family name Welsh
The results from my iGENEA DNA test transcended all my expectations, providing a comprehensive view into my family line and presenting new light on the significance of my surname, "Welsh". Instead of steering me towards Wales as its etymology might suggest, my heritage turns out to be rooted in the Balto-Slavic area of Eastern Europe, bringing with it an intriguing blend of history, culture, and identity.
My iGENEA DNA test results unveiled a world of history and context about my family lineage and the roots of the surname "Welsh" that I wouldn't have fathomed before. Discovering the origins of my ancestors, tracing their migration paths, and understanding how they all join in painting the portrait of my familial identity has indeed been a genuinely transformative experience.
It took me by surprise to learn that the name "Welsh," rooted deeply within my family, doesn't actually connect back to Wales as I'd always assumed. Instead, my DNA test results indicate that my ancestral origins lie within Eastern Europe, converging primarily within the Balto-Slavic regions. This unanticipated revelation has made me reassess the stories I'd grown up hearing about my supposed Welsh heritage.
I felt excited yet a little unnerved to dig deeper into my ancestral history. However, the more I immersed myself in my newfound Slavic ancestry, the more connected I felt to the rich culture, traditions, and historical narratives within these regions. I began reading up and gaining understanding, not just about the regions from where my forebears hailed, but about their lives, their struggles, their triumphs, and how these collective experiences have subtly seeped into my own life.
Knowing more about my roots has also given me a renewed sense of belonging. With the knowledge that my predecessors faced unthinkable hardships while contributing to some of the most significant historical events, I feel a profound respect for the resilient DNA coursing through my veins. The courage and determination of my ancestors seem more palpable now, and I feel a stronger connection towards the surname "Welsh."
The revelations from the iGENEA DNA test have broadened my perspective of the world, made me more appreciative of my heritage and further inspired me to ensure its continuity. Though the surname "Welsh" carries anesthetic value in its misdirectional legacy, it influences me to keep my fascinating, unexpectedly Slavic roots alive for future generations.
B. Welsh