The iGENEA DNA Test: Unravelling the Unexpected Threads of My Hilliard Ancestry
Family name Hilliard
After getting my iGENEA DNA test results, my perception on my family name Hilliard and identity underwent a radical shift. The results revealed connections to locations and ethnicities I had never even inferred, opening up a whole new world of cultural understanding and personal curiosity in me.
Upon receiving my iGENEA DNA results, my previously held notions about my lineage and the Hilliard family got a profound shakeup. I have always been proud of being a Hilliard, a connection that has given me a profound sense of identity, belonging and ancestry. But my iGENEA DNA results showed connections to geographical areas and ethnic groups that I never considered part of my lineage. This revelation has not only made me more excited about the Hilliard ancestry but has significantly expanded my understanding of it.
Having grown up with ancestral stories centred around the British Isles, I was astounded to discover that my DNA had a strong connection to Scandinavia, more specifically, to the ruggedly beautiful lands of Norway and Sweden. It's fascinating to realize that Hilliards might have originally been Vikings, adventurers who explored and settled in distant lands.
The second revelation was the trace of Jewish Ashkenazi ancestry in my lineage. While it constituted only a smaller percentage of my genetic makeup, it didn't take away the profound influence it had on how I perceived the Hilliard family's history. It added a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, resilience and diverse traditions to my understanding.
These revelations have sparked a new sense of curiosity and inspired me to learn more about these cultures. Perhaps the Hilliards of yesteryears were intrepid Viking explorers crisscrossing the North Sea or resilient Ashkenazi Jews persevering amidst adversity. The realization that I carry pieces of this diverse heritage within me is both humbling and empowering, knowing that my ancestors lived through diverse experiences, and I am directly tied to that rich tapestry gives me a newfound respect for my surname.
In conclusion, my iGENEA DNA test has challenged, enlightened, and expanded my understanding of being a Hilliard. Though my view was initially steeped in history that I thought I completely understood, I am now eager and excited to delve deeper into these unforeseen facets of my identity.
Q. Hilliard