The Uncovering of a Multiethnic Narrative: My DNA Test Journey with iGENEA
Family name Lefort
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, I took an iGENEA DNA test to explore more about my surname, Lefort. Unveiling unexpected layers of my family heritage, the test revealed a surprising mix that challenged my beliefs about the seemingly simple roots of my French surname.
As someone deeply passionate about genealogical investigation, I decided that a DNA test from iGENEA could help clarify my past. I had few expectations before undergoing the test; Lefort, my surname – a straightforward French name meaning 'strong place.' No mysterious connotations, no burning questions about my ancestry.
The results awakened a fascinating revelation. Though I had always assumed my lineage to be largely French, my DNA test revealed a surprising mix of unexpected regions.
I have DNA markers displaying Iberian Peninsula heritage, most possibly Spain or Portugal - places I never had any familial connection to before. Evidently, somewhere down the line of the Lefort family, the bloodline crossed paths with that of an Iberian lineage. This piece of information took me by surprise since there had never been any family lore mentioning such a mixture.
Still, that wasn't all. I was startled to discover Eastern European and Scandinavian markers appearing in my analysis, with a significant percentage accounted for Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This bewildering revelation was nowhere on my ancestor charts, causing a surge of curiosity about this enchanting narrative that had been lurking in my DNA.
Unexpectedly, my Lefort family tree did not solely extend through France but traversed continents and cultures. My DNA was less about borders and more about people's migrations, transitions, and connections made over countless generations. I feel both fascinated and humbled by the plethora of vibrant cultures and historical happenings that played a part in the formation of the person I am today.
This experience emphasized the power in our names and bloodline - they form an intricate story, a compass directing us to our roots. Though my Lefort lineage remains primarily French, it turns out the branches of my tree were much more diverse than I ever could have imagined.
R. Lefort