Journey Through Millennia: Tracing My Addison Lineage Through an iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Addison
Tracing the journey of the Addison lineage through my iGENEA DNA test was an enlightening and culturally rich experience. The Addison name has its roots in olden England, deriving its meaning as 'son of Adam.' My genetic heritage paints a historical panorama, reflecting humanity's evolution and migration patterns, from early traces in East Africa, through the Fertile Crescent to Europe, farming practices of Neolithic times, and the influence of Viking forefathers.
The iGENEA DNA test has offered fascinating insights into the origins and history of my surname, Addison. It is an English surname of Old English origin, tracing its roots back to before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Preliminary research suggested that Addison originated as a patronymic surname, derived from a personal name. The iGENEA test corrobates this idea, detailing that the name Addison means 'son of Adam.' As it turns out, Addison was a popular name for boys throughout England, making it difficult to trace a singular Addison lineage.
Through millennia-old genetic markers, iGENEA provided a deep dive into the migration patterns of my ascendants. The paternal genetic line marked a journey that started in East Africa, commonly known to be the cradle of all human beings. From there, my forefathers moved towards the Middle East and then to Europe.
Breaking the journey further down by epochs, around 40-60,000 years ago, it seems my ancestors were part of the exodus out of Africa and were early inhabitants of the Fertile Crescent region in the Middle East. Around 20-25,000 years ago, they migrated to Europe, reflecting the retreat of glaciers.
The Addison family's journey becomes murkier with the onset of the last Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago. The distribution pattern across Europe suggests that my ancestors became part of the Neolithic farmers who spread agriculture across the continent from Anatolia.
Shared DNA patterns also point towards a significant Viking influence in my lineage, specifically from the Orkney Islands. The Addison name frequently popped up in the north of England near the Scottish border, particularly in the historic region of Northumbria.
In terms of cultural heritage, the iGENEA DNA test exposed a rich tapestry of various influences strung through the skein of history. Agriculture, farming, sea-faring - these characteristic trades have been recurring themes among the Addison legacy. Echoes of warrior spirit, possibly inherited from Viking forefathers, ring true in historical documents and even literature, where the Addisons were often portrayed in leadership roles.
Y. Addison