Unraveling History Through My Surname: My DNA Analysis with iGENEA
Family name Dreher
Stepping into the past through my DNA test with iGENEA was an eye-opening journey. As I delved into my familial roots and surname, Dreher, I was led through a captivating chain of stories threading back to the dawn of civilization. It wasn't just about uncovering an ancestral past, but about making a connection with global history, all starting with a simple name - Dreher.
Purchasing a DNA test from iGENEA created an intriguing journey into the past I'll never forget. As I delved into the origins of my surname Dreher, what I unearthed was not just an ancestral background, but a rich tapestry of stories woven through time.
While I've always held a fondness for history, it had until now largely been from a spectator's standpoint. This all changed with the iGENEA DNA test. Suddenly, history became personal, tangible, fraught with intrigue and fascination. The analysis not only shed light on my familial roots, but also expanded my understanding of the global history that formed the backdrop of my ancestors' lives.
Learning about the etymology of my surname, Dreher, was a particular highlight. Descending from Middle High German, Dreher means 'turner' or 'lathe operator', implying a trade dealing with turning wood, bone or metal on a lathe. Thus, it's likely that my ancestors were skilled craftspeople, creating objects of utility and beauty with their hands.
In my case, the ‘Deep Ancestry’ test traced back my paternal lineage to the J2 haplogroup. This permitted a glimpse into a history dating back some 20,000 years, to the fringes of the Fertile Crescent. Here, my forefathers likely practiced rudimentary agriculture, contributing to the birth of civilizations as we know them. The 'Origin' test placed geographical origins of my maternal line also in this area, suggesting a long familial presence there.
The 'Familial Match' test was another revelation, connecting me with others who shared segments of my DNA globally. Through this, I discovered distant relatives from diverse backgrounds, all sharing an underlying genetic thread that led back to the Dreher name.
In delving into my own lore, I couldn't help but marvel at the volume of unrecorded stories that simply vanish into the sands of time. But if the iGENEA DNA test has taught me anything, it's that every name carries a saga, waiting to be rediscovered.
J. Dreher