Transcending Time and Territories: My Genealogical Journey with iGENEA and the Origins of the Goldstein Surname
Family name Goldstein
Peeling back the layers of my familial roots with iGENEA was an enlightening experience. The journey offered deep insights into the origins of my surname, Goldstein, cementing my Jewish lineage while tracing my ancestral journey from the Eastern Mediterranean to Central Europe, possibly even to North America.
Embarking on the journey to discover my familial roots was an endeavor filled with anticipation. With a swab and a return envelope in hand, I dispatched my DNA sample to iGENEA, hopeful for the astounding discoveries it might unravel. Few weeks later, the results arrived, filled with fascinating insights into my familial heritage, orbiting primarily around my family name- Goldstein.
iGENEA's high-tech lab processed my DNA sample, unearthing the time-worn stories my genes held. The discoveries formed a narrative that began thousands of years ago. Like the pieces of a puzzle, painstakingly fitting together, a comprehensive picture started to take shape. My surname, Goldstein, has always been a cornerstone in defining my identity. Now, through iGENEA, the root of my moniker was tangible.
The results brought me face to face with my Y-DNA haplogroup – E1b1b, emblematic of my paternal lineage. Rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan regions, E1b1b is one of the most common haplogroups among Jewish males, strongly indicating my Jewish lineage corresponding to my Goldstein surname.
Peculiar to Jewish surnames, Goldstein is Ashkenazi Jewish in origin, meaning 'Gold Stone'. This promising information allowed me to connect my surname to the Jewish diaspora that dispersed Ashkenazi Jews across Europe, particularly in Germany. My ancestors, holding on to the Goldstein name, were likely part of this widespread migration.
As I delved deeper into the data, I was intrigued by the geographic distribution of the Goldstein name. Predominantly found in Germany, it also has considerable presence in Central Europe and North America. This drew a map of my ancestral journey that spiraled from Eastern Mediterranean to Central Europe and possibly across the Atlantic.
One of the most exciting revelations was traceable distant cousins. With our common paternal lineage, we share DNA markers which could trace our common ancestor.
My journey with iGENEA was more than revealing my ancestral roots; it was connecting with a part of myself I knew existed but never fully understood. It was a step into a past that illuminates the present: the story behind my unique identifier, the Goldstein name. With a deeper connection to my lineage and enhanced understanding of my heritage, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of belonging and cognizance of my genealogy. This entire process has truly enriched my sense of self and family heritage.
H. Goldstein