Exploring the Roots of My Surname 'Craddock' through iGENEA DNA Analysis
Family name Craddock
Recently, I had the opportunity to explore my familial history and the origins of my surname, Craddock, via an iGENEA DNA analysis. This enlightening journey revealed the Welsh and Norman lineage of my name, traced back to the time of the Norman invasion of Wales. From geographical spread to professional affiliations, the discoveries about the Craddock name were surprising and deeply personal.
A few months ago, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through the iGENEA DNA analysis. The quest was centred on my family name Craddock, an enigma that had long piqued my curiosity. The user-friendly, self-administered test kit arrived swiftly, with clear instructions that made the process remarkably convenient. The waiting period post-submission was fraught with excitement and trepidation, as I was about to lift the fog on centuries of my lineage.
The results blew away all my speculation and redefined what I knew about my lineage. The name Craddock surprisingly had roots infused with Welsh and Norman essence. The Craddock surname dates back to the Norman invasion of Wales, originating from the Welsh term 'Caradoc,' which translates to 'beloved.' The Normans adapted it to 'Craddock,' which carried on through the subsequent generations.
iGENEA furnished me with an interactive family tree which revealed unfamiliar affiliations, unexpected relations, and the far-reaching geographic distribution of my bloodline. The DNA analysis also disentangled various migration pathways of my ancestors, ravelling a startling journey from Normandy to Wales and then to various corners of the world.
The discoveries expounded valuable insights about my ancestors' social, economic, and cultural perspectives. I learnt about the primal Craddocks' likely professions ranging from knights to traders and artisans, which significantly contributed to their ascent in the medieval hierarchy. This investigation opened up new avenues to explore in my genealogical pursuit, enabling me to better comprehend who I am in the context of history and geography.
This journey with iGENEA went beyond just decoding genetic code. It brought me closer to understanding where I come from and, more importantly, gave me a clearer sense of my identity. The Craddock name, an integral part of my being, suddenly holds more meaning and value than it ever did.
A word to anyone considering DNA analysis for genealogical investigation - the experience is worth every penny and every second spent. The revelation it brings about one's ancestry, the origin of your familial name, and the mysteries it unravels about the stages of human migration are truly priceless. It affords an opportunity to glance into the past, connect with our roots and principally understand one's place better in the vast human lineage.
A. Craddock