FamilyTreeDNA Blog

From Haplogroup L0 to the Malagasy Motif, uncover the African maternal lineages that shaped humanity—and still live on in your mtDNA.

FamilyTreeDNA’s Y-DNA haplotree includes over 91,000 branches and 761,000 variants — the most detailed paternal ancestry map in the world. Each month, we update this post with the latest growth stats, haplogroup insights, and tools to help you explore your place in history.

Your Family Finder DNA match list is full of clues—if you know how to use it. This guide helps you make sense of your autosomal DNA results.

Your maternal line holds secrets from across centuries and continents. See how mtDNA connects modern testers to ancient individuals around the world.

What started as a question about one family name became the foundation of modern genetic genealogy. Here’s how Bennett Greenspan made it happen.

Two of FamilyTreeDNA’s earliest Group Project Administrators reflect on 25 years of discovery, innovation, and connection through genetic genealogy.

Learn how Family Finder uses SNPs to assign Y-DNA haplogroups, what they mean for your paternal ancestry, and how to refine results with tools like Discover™ and Big Y-700.

Explore how robust DNA and surname tree methods are helping researchers move beyond dominant Irish genealogy narratives to uncover lost clans like Ó Maol Phádraig of Bréifne.

Register online for free to attend the virtual conference, and be sure to visit our virtual booth!

RootsTech 2025 is just a week away! Whether you're a first-time attendee or a returning researcher, our virtual guide will help you navigate sessions, connect with experts, and make the most of your genealogy journey.

FamilyTreeDNA’s mtDNA Tree of Humankind has expanded with 35,000 new branches, offering more detailed maternal ancestry insights than ever before. Learn how this update enhances your mtDNA results, genealogy research, and our understanding of human history.

Discover more about your maternal lineage with mtDNA Discover reports. Explore haplogroup origins, migration routes, and DNA connections to history.

The Family Finder™ Matrix just got a refresh! With new functionality, it’s easier than ever to compare DNA matches, confirm relationships, and improve triangulation.

I put off transferring my FamilyTreeDNA tree to MyHeritage for too long, but when I finally did, I identified distant matches, organized my tree, and even uncovered my great-great-grandmother’s mtDNA haplogroup.

Discover why RootsTech 2025 is the must-attend event for genealogy enthusiasts. From engaging classes to inspiring stories, the in-person experience offers unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and discovery.

From significant haplogroup splits to advanced tools, explore FamilyTreeDNA’s key milestones in Y-DNA research during 2024.

FamilyTreeDNA welcomes David Vance as General Manager. With two decades of genetic genealogy expertise, David brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Discover more about his journey!

FamilyTreeDNA's powerful tools can reveal your heritage like never before. Learn how to leverage Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA with the Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA - now in full color.

New to mtDNA testing? Get resources for further learning, tools and expert tips for setting genealogy goals, preparing for your test results, and maximizing tools to uncover your maternal ancestry.

If you've already tested with Ancestry, 23andMe, or MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA offers powerful tools to take your results further. Discover unique insights, connect with new relatives, and explore your ancestry in greater detail.

Discover the fascinating history and structure of Spanish surnames, from their origins to modern naming conventions, and how they can aid in genealogical research.

Learn how to interpret your myOrigins and ancientOrigins test results. Discover how to understand populations and ethnicity breakdowns and apply findings to your genealogy.

Wondering why your haplogroup changed? Learn how new discoveries and test methods can impact your Y-DNA haplogroup assignment.

A one-on-one with Regina Lynch-Hudson, a publicist turned family history reviver.

Learn how to interpret your Y-DNA test results, explore Y-DNA matches, genetic distances, and how to use them to trace your paternal ancestry.

Learn how FamilyTreeDNA safeguards your DNA samples, the importance of your privacy, and the control you have over your own genetic material.

Learn how mtDNA can connect you to maternal ancestors when records fall short and how to combine it with traditional research and other DNA tests for powerful results.

Learn how to interpret your Family Finder test results. Discover how to understand autosomal DNA matches and apply findings to your genealogy.

Learn about the new Match Time Tree report in Discover™ for FamilyTreeDNA Big Y-700 customers.

Explore the intriguing survival of haplogroup C, one of the world’s oldest Y-chromosome lineages.

Jim Brewster and Courtney Eberhard take a look at LDS Pioneers and share Y-DNA connections from early LDS church leaders.

Finding connections from medieval records and heraldry with DNA pointing the way.

Read part three of our mtDNA series. Learn about the significance of mtDNA haplogroups and how your mtDNA test results can help you trace your maternal ancestry back to Mitochondrial Eve.

FamilyTreeDNA partners with MyHeritage to bring its customers the MyHeritage family tree tools. Here's what you should know.

Learn how Y-DNA haplogroups can be used to trace your paternal lineage, revealing your migration paths and ancestral origins.

Need to change your order? Learn what to do if you ordered a test on the wrong account, shipped a test to the wrong address, or ordered a new test that was supposed to be an upgrade.

Discover expert tips, resources and strategies for tracing formerly-enslaved African American ancestors up to the 1870 brick wall.

Continue learning how Y-DNA shed new light on the medieval genealogies of the Uí Briúin dynasty of northwest Ireland.

Wondering if you're researching the right surname? Dive into how autosomal and Y-DNA testing and genealogy records can confirm your family history and uncover ancestral origins.

Read about the latest in ancient DNA research with new insights from Mayan, Neolithic, and Late Roman periods, integrated into FamilyTreeDNA Discover.

How does autosomal DNA testing work? Read part two of our five part series on autsomal DNA.

Learn about the Discover Classic Haplotree for Y-DNA, the newest tree from FamilyTreeDNA.

How does Y-DNA testing work? Read part two of our five part series on Y-DNA.

A FamilyTreeDNA customer shares her inspiring journey of uncovering her maternal lineage using mtDNA, autosomal DNA, and Group Projects. Her research led to the remarkable discovery of a connection to one of the King's Daughters.

Jerome Narramore, FamilyTreeDNA Group Project Administrator, discovers his mother's racial passing in Vermont, leading to profound self-revelation and advocacy.

Learn how Y-DNA has helped shed new light on the medieval genealogies of the Uí Briúin dynasty of northwest Ireland and what this new information means for genetic genealogists.

Explore the Cloud paternal line, a tangled history of Cherokee ancestry, the Trail of Tears, and ancestry mysteries unraveled through DNA testing.

Read part two of our mtDNA series, and discover the unique inheritance of the mitochondrial genome and the potential insights into our ancestral origins with mtFull Sequence.

Learn about the types of patronymic systems and explore why patronymics were used in the first place and why standard surnames replaced them.

What is DNA Day and why is it celebrated? Read the history behind this special day.

What can you learn from the DNA found in the mitochondria? Read part one from a five part series on mtDNA.

Learn about what autosomal DNA is in part one of our five-part series.

Exploring your paternal lineage uncovers a treasure trove of family history. Y-DNA testing, pioneered by FamilyTreeDNA since 2000, guides this journey. You can discover new ancestors and validate family connections by testing your Y-DNA. Learn about the evolution of Y-DNA testing and the advancements reshaping our understanding of paternal ancestry.

Join us as we trade in the cherry tree legend for the fascinating task of building George Washington's family tree through advanced genetic analysis.

Learn more about the recent study identifying George Washington’s family line through new genetic testing methods.

Jim Brewster provides an overview of how dating methods work for ancient DNA samples, and what that information means for genetic genealogy.

Susan Hedeen and Tim Duncan explain how Big Y-700 testing, a coordinated outreach effort, and several trips to Scotland helped them discover the origin of two Scottish lineages.

Darius Brown, author of “At the Feet of the Elders: A Journey into a Lowcountry Family History” gives a glimpse into how DNA testing catalyzed his family history research and connected him from South Carolina to Africa.

A customer with a Family Finder test received a Y-DNA haplogroup that led to the rediscovery of a haplogroup that was discovered 15 years ago.

The FamilyTreeDNA guide to RootsTech 2024, virtual! We've got a list of sessions, how to find the chat rooms, and more!

Register online for free to attend the virtual conference, and be sure to visit our virtual booth!

The FamilyTreeDNA guide to RootsTech 2024, in person! Including speakers, classes, booth info, and more!

Preserve your genealogical legacy on FamilyTreeDNA! Ensure lasting impact by updating contact info, adding beneficiaries, and assigning kit managers. Learn the vital steps for securing your DNA record.

Dive into the heart of genealogy conferences, where passion for ancestry intertwines seamlessly with the joy of fostering enduring friendships.

Discover the ideal gifts for genealogists in our 2023 Gift Guide. From DNA testing kits to personalized family history tools, find thoughtful presents that celebrate the art of unraveling family stories.

Master using Family Finder to identify potential Y-DNA matches and refine research.

All Big Y testers receive a lifetime analysis of their results. Learn more about the process of a lifetime analysis and what that means for your refined Y-DNA haplogroup.

A recent ancient DNA paper examining the Goths and their origins is out, but not the ones you might be thinking of.

Recently, FamilyTreeDNA employees attended a town hall to review everything that had happened in the third quarter of 2023. So we'd like to review it with you guys as well.

Explore our analysis on surname spelling variations, revealing the historical factors that triggered these changes, providing valuable insights to use in your genealogy research.

Explore the intricate world of genealogy with expert Samantha Jones. Uncover DNA testing insights and trace your roots back to enslaved ancestors.

Facing FamilyTreeDNA access issues? Get the assistance you need to regain control of your kit and data.

The third part of the Globetrekker series reveals parallels in ancient history and DNA migrations.

Explore the intricate history of Sephardic Jewish heritage, the Diaspora, and its lasting influence on Hispanic culture and the Americas.

Join Mark Bankston as he unravels his family's Swedish heritage, discovering surprising lineage connections. Curiosity led him to a revelation. What will your DNA reveal about your past?

Discover the origins of the Jackson industrious spirit and paternal line as Sherman McRae delves into the King of Pop’s Big Y-700 connection.

You probably don't need to swab again, but if you do, make sure you're taking the right steps before upgrading your DNA test.

What do you know about where your surname comes from? Understanding surname origins can help you research the origins of your family line.

Paul McMonagle made a surprising discovery about his father's lineage when he took a Y-37 test. He discovered his Irish roots, connected with Y-DNA matches, and found his place on the Tree of Mankind.

The second part of the Globetrekker series, focuses on how phylogeography was incorporated into the new Discover tool.

Roberta Estes provides a historical overview of the birth of France, the French diaspora, and the settlement and exodus of the Acadian population in Eastern Canada.

We take a dive into South-Asian genealogy with Awais Hussain, and how he has used traditional and genetic research methods to connect families and trace roots from the northern Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir region.

This blog is about a new feature that will be added to Family Finder in the coming weeks. Customers with existing Family Finder results will receive an email announcement when the feature is released, as well as an email notification once their haplogroup has been added to their results.

How did your paternal line ancestors trek across the globe? Find out with Globetrekker, a new FamilyTreeDNA Discover report for Big Y test users.

Discover the latest enhancements in FamilyTreeDNA's Discover™ platform! Uncover your ancestral history with personalized reports, new Y-DNA haplogroup features, and exciting updates. Explore your heritage and connections with ease.

Unlock your genetic heritage and solve genealogical puzzles by effectively contacting DNA matches.

There are different categories of Group Projects available for testers to choose from, each with their own benefits for your research.

Explore the Caribbean's genetic past with ancient DNA studies that unveil settlement patterns and ancestral contributions, shaping the region's rich heritage.

Keeping your Earliest Known Ancestor information is vital to getting the most out of your DNA reports from FamilyTreeDNA.

Becoming a Group Project Administrator can vary greatly between projects, but success boils down to three keys: time, patience, and money.

Jeremy Balkin highlights how myDNA Wellness supported his health and wellness journey, helping him achieve his goal weight.

Uncover Boone Day, honoring Daniel Boone's journey, the Portwood connection, and DNA revelations, tracing Katy’s 6th great-grandfather's role at Fort Boonesborough.

Join Jeremy Balkin as he shares his view on bridging the generation gap and fostering meaningful relationships with older family members.

Holocaust survivor's grandchild uses DNA testing to rediscover lost family.

Discover how storing DNA samples at FamilyTreeDNA allowed me to reconnect with my mother and uncover new insights into my family's history.

Unlock new avenues of research with mtDNA testing and trace your direct maternal line to break down genealogical brick walls.

Explore the latest research on ancient DNA from the Xiongnu Empire, Paleolithic Iberia, and a Central Asian deer tooth. Discover the diversity of these lineages and how they fit into your genealogical research through FamilyTreeDNA's Discover™ tool.

Discover the significance of African World Heritage Day, explore genealogy, DNA testing, and African DNA data analysis to connect African Americans with their cultural heritage.

Discover the power of Y-DNA for genealogy with Your DNA Guide's three-week course. Learn to analyze results, solve mysteries, and answer your burning questions.

Learn how DNA testing and Group Projects have transformed Irish genealogy research with Margaret O’Shea-Jordan.

You’ve just swabbed your cheeks and sent your DNA off to FamilyTreeDNA. What happens next? Jim Brewster takes you step by step through the process.

Why do we celebrate DNA Day? Our CSR manager, Jeremy Balkin, gives his take on the holiday and what advancements in DNA mean to him.

Uncover more matches, mutations, and information about your genealogy by testing your siblings.

Explore the newest mini feature in Discover. Events brings context to the ancient connections on your Y-DNA line.

It’s been one month since the genealogical conference ended, and we’ve learned quite a bit. Here are three things we at FamilyTreeDNA learned from RootsTech 2023.

David Vance, an administrator of many groups, details a metaphor for how DNA testing can help people find the answers they're looking for in their ancestry.

Jeremy Balkin explores the history of two famed women scientists whose discoveries in DNA paved the way for our current understanding.

A recent study of Beethoven’s hair reveals new information about his direct paternal line.

New DNA analysis of Beethoven's hair opens new theories about the composer's health and genetics,

Learn more about the different ways you can manage DNA results for someone who has tested with FamilyTreeDNA.

Learn how the Hadley Society accomplished goals in 2022, and how their findings help guide them in 2023.

With 5,000 ancient connections within our database, we are able to track ancient haplogroup migrations.

Laurie Constantino shares her journey about validating Old Jock Perkin’s african ancestry through documented research and DNA testing.

Register online for free to attend the virtual conference, and be sure to visit our virtual booth!

Are you prepared for RootsTech 2023? We’ve got your guide to all things virtual including a playlist guide and what to expect from the expo hall.

Check out what Gold Sponsor, FamilyTreeDNA, has in store for RootsTech 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Learn more about how the new FTDNATiP™ Report gives even more precise age predictions for your Y-DNA matches.

Explore Discover’s newest feature, bringing Big Y and Group Projects together for enhanced ancestry research.

Learn more about the gaps in the genetic history of African ancestry and people of the diaspora, and how you can help mend the gap.

Explore this tribute to the 16th United States president in honor of his birthday this Sunday.

Learn more about where we all originate from, Africa, in this piece from Miguel Vilar in honor of Black History Month.

Learn how being a Group Project Administrator can benefit your genetic genealogy journey, with Katherine Borges.

Are you connected to the samples from the new study out of Scandinavia? Take a look at each sample and discover for yourself.

You’ve gotten your results back. Now which Group Projects will be right for you? We’ve got a detailed guide of your different options.

2022 was a big year for ancient DNA. Here’s a summary of some of the important discoveries.

Join us in recognizing the Group Project Administrators and the work they do for FamilyTreeDNA with this piece by Jeremy Balkin.

Experience what it is like to be a Group Project Administrator from the perspective of Martin McDonald, an administrator from North of Ireland.

For National Roots Day, follow along as Jim Brewster explains the importance of DNA testing when it comes to documenting your roots.

Get ready for Hanukkah with Jeremy Balkin, our Customer Service Manager.

Explore a curated list of genetic genealogy books to add to your gift or wish list.

In honor of National Roots Day coming up on Dec 23rd, we invite you to read this touching memoir written by a grandson to his grandmother.

If you’re unsure which test to order for friends and family, FamilyTreeDNA's holiday gift guide will help clear up the confusion.

Discover how FamilyTreeDNA Discover's newest tool can help you learn more about where your ancestors came from.

Learn how to use DNA testing and family history to determine your Native American ancestry.

Hear from 325Kamra about how they use DNA to reunite Korean families separated by adoption and how you can help.

Learn how testing your DNA can help you determine who in your family has Native American ancestry.

Do you feel the power of the moonlight? Does it sound like fun to dance in the forest? You might be related to a witch.

Take a look at the origins of the Big Y-700 test and its emergence as the world's most comprehensive Y-DNA test.

Garlic and holy water may have kept people safe when a vampire was near, but how do you keep safe when one appears in your family tree?

The Prehistoric Age in Britain is explored with two new papers published about ancient DNA in the British Isles.

Take a look at real mummies and how they influence our genetics and spooky traditions as part of our Halloween series, Genes and Screams.

Celebrations for Indigenous Peoples' Day are relatively new, but the holiday's history dates back centuries.

A look at the history and origins of Hispanic genetics and other resources for those with Hispanic ancestry who are looking to learn more.

We were able to add over 1,000 branches to the Y-DNA Haplotree in September across all haplogroups.

New information regarding migration patterns and aDNA emerges from the Southern Arc, providing new information about Y-DNA haplogroups.

Researchers at FamilyTreeDNA go deeper into the methods they used to update their latest release of the TMRCA age estimates they use.

The Time Tree puts ancient DNA, notable connections, current testers, and the TMRCA age estimates into a single view for you to explore.

With FamilyTreeDNA Discover, we uncovered a connection between James Webb and Edwin Hubble that goes beyond telescopes.

FamilyTreeDNA has made updates to the TMRCA (Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor) that will improve age estimates in the Tree of Humankind.

Explore ancient DNA analysis! Discover the newest techniques, theories, and discoveries that are shaping the field and driving it forward.

FamilyTreeDNA is taking paternal DNA testing to a whole new level. Discover fun facts and connections through the magic of the Y chromosome.

The Million Mito Project Team from FamilyTreeDNA recently discovered an ancient lineage from Eastern Africa through mitochondrial DNA.

An Oregon man discovers his Y-DNA is shared with an ancient man, whose remains were found in Nevada’s Lovelock cave.

This Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5, visit FamilyTreeDNA's virtual booth at RootsTech 2022!

This Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5, visit FamilyTreeDNA's virtual booth at RootsTech 2021!

There are now more than 50,000 branches on the Family Tree of Mankind, a milestone in the history of Y-chromosome testing. See how we did it!

The Chromosome Painter feature helps you explore your Family Finder myOrigins results in a new way! Learn more.

FamilyTreeDNA's Populations Geneticist, Paul Maier, breaks down myOrigins 3.0 in this three-part video series.

The new FamilylTreeDNA Help Center has launched!

FamilyTreeDNA is excited to announce the new and improved Y-DNA Matches page.

FamilyTreeDNA announces improvements to the Family Finder matching system and new Chromosome Painter.

Join The Million Mito Project, and be a part of growing the tree of womankind.

This Wednesday through Saturday, February 24-27, visit FamilyTreeDNA's virtual booth at RootsTech 2021!

This Wednesday through Saturday, February 24-27, visit FamilyTreeDNA's virtual booth at RootsTech 2021!

The Big Y-700 product upgrade that was announced in the start of 2020 has proven to be a great success. Learn More.

FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) is excited to bring you myOrigins 3.0 which includes 60+ new populations!

This Wednesday through Saturday, February 26-29, FamilyTreeDNA will be at RootsTech 2020 in Salt Lake City! Come see us!

The Big Y-700 product upgrade that was announced in the start of 2019 has proven to be a great success. Learn More.

As females, we sometimes overlook or dismiss Y-DNA testing, however, there are many genetic genealogy benefits gained from getting your father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, or so on to take a Y-DNA test for you. Learn more.

We're very excited to release a personalized video for absolutely everybody in our system who has tested to the mtFull Sequence level!

Our recently released Big Y-700 test provides even greater coverage of the Y chromosome. This allows us to detect even more mutations. As a result, all branches of the great tree of mankind are becoming further refined.

Genealogy is detective work. If all of the answers were just given to you, there wouldn't be any interest or excitement left over.

You're sitting on a mountain of discovery and may not even know it. Have you tested with AncestryDNA™, 23andMe©, or MyHeritage™? If the answer is yes, you're eligible to upload your results to FamilyTreeDNA for free!

In 2000, when Bennett Greenspan, President and Founder of Gene-by-Gene Ltd. and FamilyTreeDNA, launched FamilyTreeDNA as the first direct-to-consumer DNA testing company, he never imagined that it would lead to the creation of a booming industry.

The Winter holidays, for me, seem like the only time of year when everything feels different. When I feel that cool air, I also sense the nostalgia of winters past.

Genetic genealogy is an anomaly. It combines one of the oldest practices of humanity with one of the newest.

Genetic genealogy is still a brand new thing. We are all unknowingly mapping out a singular story for all of us.

This year, if you find yourself at an awkward Thanksgiving Dinner, it can be helpful to understand how family/friends/loved ones are all connected to you. Family is often about fitting into a complex puzzle, and our differences are more reason to connect even more.

Family Finder is our top-selling DNA kit, ideal for exploring ethnic origins and ancestry. Both males and females can test their autosomal DNA, so this kit is excellent for anyone interested in genetic genealogy—the use of DNA testing to find genetic matches and unlock family history.

A Group Project is a collaborative way for people to work together using their FamilyTreeDNA test results to explore and compare common genetic heritage.

Jeff and his brother both decided to take a DNA test, and that's when Jeff's FamilyTreeDNA story begins to reveal some surprises.

When Ivy was 20 years old, her mother told her that she was conceived through a hospital-run sperm donor program in New York.

Sandy and Joe welcomed a new son into their lives. He was 30 years old and discovered through FamilyTreeDNA that Joe was the father he'd been searching for.

Juliet grew up not knowing anything about her heritage. All she knew was that she was Caucasian.

Ken's children gave him a DNA kit for Father’s Day. He had been searching for his father. When he received the test results, he got the shock of his life.

Patricia always knew that her great-grandmother, Bridget Lohan, had been born in Ireland in the 1800s.  But that was all the information she had.

Because Donna was adopted, she wanted to learn more about her family history. What came back was completely unexpected.

Simmone had the idea to get her father tested to try and find more of his relatives. Perhaps more family members had made it out of North Korea. When she uploaded her father’s results to FamilyTreeDNA, she was surprised

Mikal was searching for her heritage. Little did she know, she would uncover something completely unexpected on her father’s side...and it wasn't her origins.

Read the story of Cindy and her son Christian and their journey with FamilyTreeDNA.

Then, Jim’s daughter Mikal called. Through FamilyTreeDNA, she’d found a sister no one knew about. Jim had another daughter. But she was in Vietnam.

Elyese never felt like she belonged anywhere. She never felt like she really knew who she was...

Donna thought she knew everything about her family but that all changed when she got an email...

Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing to determine relationships between individuals, find genetic matches and discover one’s ancestry.