DNA & Ethnicity Genealogy Resources 🧬
Genetic genealogy utilizes DNA testing (Autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA) to confirm relationships, overcome "brick walls" in paper trails, and trace ancient migration routes (deep ancestry). While the popular "ethnicity estimates" (admixture analysis) are useful starting points, the true genealogical value lies in using DNA matches and haplogroup analysis to connect to specific family lines and historical migrations. The following resources include the major testing companies, essential educational guides, and key scientific and academic projects.
Major DNA Testing Companies 🧪
- AncestryDNA (Largest database for matching)
- 23andMe (Known for health reports and deep scientific focus)
- MyHeritage DNA (Strong international and European focus)
- FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) (Specializes in Y-DNA and mtDNA testing; good for migration studies)
- Living DNA (Focus on British Isles and regional breakdowns)
- GedMatch (Third-party tool for comparing results across different testing platforms)
Academic & Haplogroup Resources 🗺️
- International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) (Key resource for Y-DNA/mtDNA haplogroup trees & standards)
- Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree (FTDNA's comprehensive Y-DNA nomenclature tree) (YFull is often used in conjunction with FTDNA)
- mtDNA Haplogroup Tree (FTDNA's comprehensive mtDNA nomenclature tree) (PhyloTree is the standard reference for mtDNA)
- Genetic Testing Registry (NCBI) (Scientific database of genetic tests)
- What is My Ethnicity? How MyHeritage Estimates Ethnicities (Explaining Founder Populations)
Understanding DNA & Ethnicity Estimates 🧠
- DNA Testing: What is it, and how can you benefit from it? (FamilySearch)
- Understanding DNA Ethnicity Results (FamilySearch)
- How Accurate Are DNA Tests? Why You May Be Reading Your DNA Results All Wrong
- Understanding Ethnicity Estimates at DNA Testing: Tracing Ancestral Origins
- How Does DNA Show Your Ethnicity?
- Introduction to Ethnicity Admixture (Legacy Tree)
- Genetic Testing, FAQ (NIH)
- What is genetic ancestry testing? (MedlinePlus)
- Can You Tell Your Ethnic Identity From Your DNA? (NPR)
- DNA Tests Can’t Really Tell Your True Ethnicity (Lifehacker)
- Concepts – Calculating Ethnicity Percentages (DNA Explained)
ManyRoads Articles
Recommended General Reading
Credits
Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.