Tracing My Roots: Unearthing the History and Origins of the Houghton Surname with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Houghton
Ever wondered about the origins and history of your surname? I recently undertook an iGENEA DNA test to unravel the mysteries behind my surname, Houghton. The discoveries I made not only enlightened me about my familial history but also revealed a stronger connection to my forefathers and deepened my respect for their resilience and hardiness.
For as long as I can remember, my curiosity about my roots and where I come from has always been of great interest to me. Most especially, my surname – Houghton – has always piqued my interest. Thanks to an iGENEA DNA test I recently took, I have been able to discover fascinating insights to the origins and story behind my surname.
The most startling revelation was that the Houghton family line can be traced back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The surname Houghton originates specifically from the county of Lancashire, in the North West of England. It turns out Houghton is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree.
The word Houghton comes from Old English terms 'hoh' and 'tun', which means 'settlement in a spur of a hill'. This gives me a sense of connection to the very earth of this region, painting a picture of my ancestors as farmers or shepherds, living amongst the Lancashire hills.
The history of my surname also paints a picture of a proud and possibly powerful lineage. The Houghtons would probably have been established landowners, given the naming convention of the time where surnames were location-based, usually pertaining to the owner of that piece of land.
When the Norman Conquest happened in 1066, the relationship of the populace to the land changed drastically, and the Houghtons, like many other native English families, may have been forced to adapt to a new regime. This image of resilience and adaptability adds a layer of strength to my family history that I find incredibly inspiring.
The most striking discovery to me, however, is the sense of connection I now feel to a landscape and a history that I didn't fully comprehend before. Thanks to this iGENEA DNA test, I am no longer just a bearer of my surname but have a deep understanding of its roots, history, and the journey my ancestors took.
R. Houghton