A DNA Voyage: How the iGENEA Test Redefined My Perception of Being a 'Hilpert' and My Family Identity
Family name Hilpert
During a personal journey of discovering my genetic lineage through the iGENEA DNA test, I made profound connections with my surname 'Hilpert' and my family identity. The test revealed tales of my German as well as surprising Scandinavian roots, instilling a new sense of belonging and pride in our shared history, reflected in our family name.
When I decided to take the iGENEA DNA test, little did I know that the objective exploration of my genetic lineage would lead to a subjective rediscovery of my identity. I have always held my surname, Hilpert, with a certain pride, tracing it to its German roots, embracing the intriguing stories my elders told about their European adventures. The test however, did more than just confirm my German background; it reshaped my perspective of who I am and where I come from.
The iGENEA test revealed startling information - my DNA was not just strongly rooted in Germany, but also visibly linked to Scandinavia. I was surprised initially but realized with further research that this aligns with historical migrations from Scandinavia to Germany centuries ago. To think that my genes have carried tales of vikings, and that I have Norse blood running in me awakened both, an uncanny familiarity and a riveting excitement.
The discovery set me off on a spellbinding journey, educating myself about the history and culture of both these heritages. Strikingly, I found many parallels between aspects of my own personality and the traditional characteristics of these two cultures. The love for exploration and entrepreneurship, a trait dominantly observed in our Hilpert lineage, aligns flawlessly with the Viking and German spirits of adventure and innovation.
While I was always proud to be a 'Hilpert,' this DNA discovery elevated my sense of kinship, connecting me not just to my immediate family but to ancestors across the landscape of time and geography. It stirred within me a profound sense of belonging – to the distinctive genetic tapestry that makes me who I am. It has instilled a newfound appreciation for our surname - a distinctive emblem of our shared history and an indelible mark of our unique identity.
I now see it not just as a surname but as a symbol of our adventurous spirit passed down through generations. It's like every time I say 'Hilpert', it resonates with the echoes of the Germanic and Viking ancestors - brilliant navigators, innovative thinkers and audacious explorers who have left an indomitable mark on global history.
In conclusion, the iGENEA DNA test has not only validated my historical roots but redefined my understanding of my surname and family identity, connecting me to a lineage that encompasses an expanse of time, geography and culture.
R. Hilpert