DNA Ancestry Test: A Personal Odyssey of Surname & Self-Identity Reevaluation
Family name Steffen
The iGENEA DNA test offered me an exciting perspective on my heritage and surname, Steffen. What I initially presumed to be a journey tracing my Germanic roots turned into a fascinating discovery of my Viking lineage—a revelation that has profoundly impacted my view of family identity.
As an individual always prided on my European ancestry, taking the iGENEA DNA test was a journey of self-discovery, full of anticipation. It was an anxious wait as I set out to explore the origins of my surname, Steffen, and the heritage that I share with countless others. What transpired after receiving my results was a striking revelation that rocked my understanding of my roots and also deepened my self-awareness.
My DNA test from iGENEA interpreted my Y-chromosome data and traced it back to the historical and ethnic groups of my male ancestors. In the world of genetic genealogy, a last name and DNA are interconnected—discovering one leads to the understanding of the other. However, I was taken aback by the realization that my surname Steffen, which I had always associated with common Germanic lines, had a more diverse geographic genealogical footprint.
The ancestry DNA results indicated a strong Norse lineage, predominantly stemming from the Viking origins. This meant that my ancestors were seafarers, warriors, and intrepid explorers who ventured into uncharted territories. It was a revelation that shifted my perspective of identity and gave me an unexpected sense of belonging, affliction, and awareness of a legacy much more meaningful than I had imagined before.
Through this journey with iGENEA, I have gained a whole new respect and understanding for my surname and my family’s past. Although my present and social identity are deeply embedded in the Germanic culture, I now know I partake in a rich Viking heritage that sings the sagas of audacity, adventure, and resilience. This newfound knowledge has shifted the narrative of my existence, threading the past with the present, enriching my sense of identity, and deepening my connection to my roots.
The impact of the iGENEA test results goes beyond mere curiosity satisfaction. It has also impacted the conversations I have with family members, driving us closer as we now share a comprehensive family identity, replete with adventurous tales from history. To say this journey has been profound is an understatement. It has instigated a reevaluation of my personal narrative, a newfound pride in the Norse ancestry, and a deeper understanding of my lineage— all of which revolve around the name, Steffen.
S. Steffen