Discovering my Celtic Roots: An Intricate Journey into the History of the 'Williams' Surname
Family name Williams
The iGENEA DNA test unveiled a rich cultural and historical tapestry behind my surname, Williams. Originating from the Celtic Britons, the Williams lineage, it showed, traces back to old Wales and Briton’s warrior societies. Discovering ties to the ancient Celts, who lived in Britain over 6000 years ago, I found myself not just learning about my roots but delving into the archaic depths of one of Europe’s earliest cultures.
I always knew my surname Williams had a deeper historical significance, but it wasn't until I conducted an iGENEA DNA test that I truly understood its rich cultural and historical background. Going beyond the traditional genealogical research, this test revealed that my ancestors belonged to the Celtic Britons, the indigenous people that once populated Great Britain.
Williams, as I learned, is a patronymic surname of Welsh origin. It means 'son of William', and its roots date back to medieval Wales when surnames were used to differentiate between families following the Norman Conquest. The test suggested that the Williams I hail from initially inhabited regions of Wales and west-central England. They were Celts, known for their hardy warrior culture and intricate metalwork.
As I followed the genetic markers back in time, I found that the ancestors of the modern Welsh people arrived in Britain around 6000 years ago. They lived in tight-knit communities, farming the land and shepherding animals while adopting the Gallo-Brittonic languages that eventually turned into Welsh.
Many of my ancestors would have been traders or warriors, navigating their Celtic boats along the Atlantic trade routes. The test also shed light on migrations during the late Roman and post-Roman periods, signifying the resilience and adaptability of my Celtic ancestors.
My DNA showcased the genetic markers characteristic of the R1b haplogroup, common among the Celtic Britons. This group helped shape the culture, traditions, and languages that incredibly survived repeated invasions and incursions throughout the centuries.
The iGENEA DNA test was not just an exploration of my personal lineage, but also a journey back to the roots of one of the oldest civilizations in Europe - the Celts. I am now more aware and appreciative of my heritage, understanding how my ancestors, the Celtic Britons, have influenced who I am today.
S. Williams