Discovering Ancestry and Surname Origins: A DNA Journey into the Past with iGENEA
Family name Higgs
The DNA test performed through iGENEA rendered exciting revelations about my ancestral past. The origins, history, and development of my surname, Higgs, were brought to the fore, tracing it back to the Norman Conquest of England and extending all the way to my Celtic and Viking roots.
Through my iGENEA DNA test, I discovered astounding insights about my origins, giving a new perspective on my lineage and indeed, my identity. By undergoing this test, I delved into an ancient past that stretches back hundreds, if not thousands, of years – a journey that took me back to the roots of my surname, Higgs.
The surname Higgs is primarily of English origin, straddling an extensive history that dates back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The roots of this name are entwined around the old French personal name "Hugues," later anglicized as "Hugh" post-Norman invasion.
Historically, surnames were descriptive, referring to personal attributes, geographical locations, or occupations, and Higgs falls into the first category as it's derived from a given name. The suffix ‘s’ denotes 'son of.' Translated literally, Higgs means "the son of Hugh," tracing its etymology to an era when patrilineal normativity prevailed.
The Higgs name's first recorded instance approximately dates back to the 13th century. References are found in government documents, church registers, and civil records, indicating that individuals named Higgs were primarily based in southern English counties such as Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Further corroborated by my DNA test, the Higgs clan seems to share connections with Northern France's Normans. There has been indisputable proof of migration patterns from northern France to the British Isles post the 1066 Norman Conquest, reinforcing the Franco-English roots of my ancestors.
In terms of the genetic makeup, the test revealed an admixture of Scandinavian and Celtic genes in me, inferring Viking and Celtic incursions into England. The Celtic genes, in particular, affirm the longstanding presence of my ancestors in the British Isles.
Thus, armed with newfound knowledge about my lineage, I can say that my ancestry is a blend of multiple cultures and historical events, each leaving an indelible imprint on my genetic canvas. This voyage into my past expands my perspective on who I am today and gives me a sense of deep-rooted connection with world history.
X. Higgs