Tracing the Barlow Bloodline: A Riveting Expedition into My Ancestral Past via iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Barlow
The iGENEA DNA test has been an enlightening journey into my family history, unearthing the rich cultural roots of my surname, Barlow. From its origin in the barley hills of Lancashire, England, to its prominence in local governance, arts, and literature, the Barlow name holds a compelling legacy interwoven deeply into the historical tapestry of Britain. The test also revealed a riveting Viking heritage, which paints a more intricate picture of my ancestry.
The iGENEA DNA test is a profound journey into centuries past, unearthing the deep roots of my ancestors and the compelling history surrounding my surname, Barlow. This test provided me with significant insights that were previously obscured. The remarkable discoveries of my origins have painted a broader, more vibrant picture of who I am.
My surname, Barlow, can be traced back to a small parish in Lancashire, England, in the North West region. It is a locative surname, meaning it's based on a place or a geographical feature. The name itself breaks down into two Old English words - “bara”, a term for barley, and “hlaw”, denoting a hill. Therefore, Barlow can be interpreted as 'hill where barley grows', pointing to the community's life centered around agriculture in the Middle Ages.
The Barlow family flourished in Lancashire around the 14th century, contributing profoundly to the region's cultural landscape. A notable figure in the Barlow family line is Sir Alexander Barlow, the High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1415, known for his courage and resolute administrative skills.
Several later Barlows also gained recognition, particularly in arts and literature, further deepening the family's imprint on society. Notably, my ancestor Edward Barlow (baptized as Brother Ambrose) would have lived during Tudor times and was an ingenious inventor of the repeating clock.
The DNA results also hinted at a Viking lineage, as the Barlow bloodline carries distinct Nordic genetic markers traced back to the migratory period around 793 to 1066 A.D. This period saw the Norse seafarers settle in Britain, infusing their culture into the local communities.
All these revelations have helped me to understand my ancestors better, their lives, struggles, and accomplishments. The stories moulded within my genetics are not just a vast treasure-trove of history, but an affirming reminder of the tenacity, adaptability, and resilience that is in my blood.
G. Barlow