iGENEA DNA Test: An Unexpected Journey Through the Tale of my Surname Tait
Family name Tait
An exploration into my own lineage utilizing the iGENEA DNA test unveiled unexpected Celtic origins along with the anticipated Norse roots, prompting a revelatory reconsideration of the Tait family name's history and origins.
The results from my iGENEA DNA test were truly enlightening, revealing a far more diverse heritage than I had ever anticipated. What I thought was a predominantly Scottish lineage hidden behind my surname, Tait, turned out to be a unique blend of surprise influences and unexpected turns.
Initially, I had presumed that the Tait surname was derived from old Norse, "Teitr," meaning cheerful. This hypothesis was rooted in the Viking colonization in parts of Scotland. However, my iGENEA results unveiled a twist to this widely accepted theory. My genetic lineage traces back not purely to the Vikings but also to the Celts— a robust group of people spanning Britain and Spain in the pre-Roman era.
My mitochondrial DNA revealed a decidedly Celtic lineage on my mother's side. The unexpected Celtic connection was a surprise, hence shedding new light on the history of the Tait surname in my family.
Furthermore, it seems that my paternal line is not as straightforward as I had expected. The iGENEA results revealed evidence of both Nordic and Celtic ancestry. It appears that my lineage carries the footprints of both Viking and Celtic warriors. This intermixing of cultural heritages in my genetic makeup denotes fascinating historical encounters and exchanges between these ancient peoples.
Delving deeper, I found out that my Tait ancestors were a part of an important clan in the Scottish Borders region. The genealogical trace also pointed toward a significant historical figure, Bishop William Elphinstone, a Tait patriarch who played an influential role during Scotland's Renaissance.
In conclusion, the iGENEA DNA test was an enlightening journey that provided me with unexpected insights into my bloodline. Through this test, I learned a great deal about the origins of my surname, Tait, and the surprising genetic heritage that it carries. What I once just identified as a name, now holds an exciting series of historical narratives.
J. Tait