What’s in a Name? Six Types of Surnames You Might Find in Your Family Tree - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

What’s in a Name? Six Types of Surnames You Might Find in Your Family Tree

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


Globetrekker, Part 2 Advancing the Science of Phylogeography

Globetrekker, Part 2: Advancing the Science of Phylogeography

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


Unveiling the Genetic Secrets of the Caribbean Exploring Ancient DNA and Migration History - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

Unveiling the Genetic Secrets of the Caribbean: Exploring Ancient DNA and Migration History

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


New Discoveries in Ancient DNA: Xiongnu, Iberia, and Deer Tooth?

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.


What Really Happens to Your DNA Sample After You Swab?

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.


DNA Day: Honoring Scientific Ingenuity and Pioneering Discoveries

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.


Historical Events Give Life to Your Ancient Connections Cover

The New “Events” Mini Feature in Discover

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


Early Contributions to DNA Studies from Rosalind Franklin and Florence Bell

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


With Ötzi, That's 5,000!

FamilyTreeDNA Has Added 5,000 Ancient Connections to Our Database

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


African Ancient DNA

What Can You Learn About Your Own Life From African Ancient DNA?

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