Documents and DNA: Telling the Story of Janine Cloud's Paternal Line

Documents and DNA: Telling the Story of Janine Cloud’s Paternal Line

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


The Evolution of Names: From Patronymics to Surnames

The Evolution of Names: From Patronymics to Surnames

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


Unraveling the spiral a celebration of DNA Day

Unraveling the Spiral: A Celebration of DNA Day

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


Using Y-DNA to Discover the Scottish Connection Between Two Lineages - Group Project Administrator Series

Using Y-DNA to Discover the Scottish Connection Between Two Lineages

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.


Tracing Enslaved Ancestors with African DNA - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

Tracing Enslaved Ancestors with African DNA

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.


Understanding Surname Spelling Variations On Your Family Line - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

Understanding Surname Spelling Variations on Your Family Line

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


Connecting Past and Present: Tracing Formerly Enslaved Ancestors Through DNA Testing

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


The Resilient Sephardic Jewish Legacy in Hispanic Culture - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

The Resilient Sephardic Jewish Legacy in Hispanic Culture

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


Uncovering Surname Origins Mark's Journey with FamilyTreeDNA - FamilyTreeDNA Blog

Uncovering Surname Origins: Mark’s Journey with FamilyTreeDNA

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?


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.