Unravelling My Identity: How the iGENEA DNA Test Shaped my Perception of the Crane Surname
Family name Crane
The iGENEA DNA test, a crucial tool in today's genetic genealogy, has tapped into my ancient roots, revealing the personal relevance of Scandinavian Viking heritage beneath the English surname Crane. This discovery has reshaped my understanding of my family background and heritage while instilling a deeper sense of rootedness and curiosity.
The revelation of my iGENEA DNA test has had a transformative impact on my understanding of both my family name, Crane, and my overall identity. It upended previous assumptions, but also provided a complex, rich tapestry of ancestry that I was previously unaware of.
My father always told me that our family hailed from England, our name, Crane, an old English name which referred to someone who lived near a crane-filled river. However, the iGENEA results have presented a more nuanced picture. According to the refined data, my bloodline traces back to a significant percentage of Scandinavian Viking heritage.
The Vikings, known as seafarers and explorers, bear a storied reputation filled with bravery, ingenuity, and resilience. To imagine that those genes flow through me is surreal yet empowering and has given me a profound sense of connection to the past.
Subsequently, the Viking connection has changed my perspective on the Crane surname. Could it be possible that our ancestors were Viking settlers in England who adopted the surname upon integration? The name ‘Crane’ might not simply refer to a place near a river but perhaps carry deeper metaphorical significance – cranes being a symbol of vigilance, journey, and exploration synonymous with the Viking lifestyle.
This newfound knowledge kindles a desire to learn more about Viking culture and history that perhaps have indirectly influenced our family customs and traditions. Moreover, it has sparked curiosity about the lineage of the name Crane, how it evolved over time, and how it eventually settled in the heartland of America.
In essence, this iGENEA DNA journey has augmented my sense of self-awareness and awakened a deeper appreciation for my forebears. As a Crane, I not only carry the weight of an English surname but also hold ties to a rich Scandinavian tapestry of history, exploration, and resilience.
W. Crane