Unexpected Twists Revealed in Ancestral Journey: Unveiling the Mystery of My Surname Lerner with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Lerner
I received my iGENEA DNA results and discovered a wealth of unexpected and surprising information surrounding my surname, 'Lerner'. While much communicated with my family's oral history, outliers in the British Isles and Scandinavia hinted towards a more complex heritage.
I received my iGENEA DNA results today and the document was filled with fascinating and unexpected surprises. This was not only an exploration into who I am as an individual, but also a deep dive into the historiography of my surname, 'Lerner'. It was like peeling off layers of accumulated history, unearthing not only the geographical roots of my ancestors but also the cultural origin spun over thousands of years.
Most of the results corroborated the oral family history that I grew up with - tracing back to central Europe, specifically Germany. However, a few outlying matches in the British Isles and even as far north as Scandinavia offered an unexpected detour in my genealogical route. These results hinted at a more complex history than had been previously presumed.
The most surprising finding came from iGENEA’s attempt to decipher the origins and meaning of my surname. 'Lerner' as it turns out, doesn't have a homogeneous root. In German, it translates to 'learner' or 'scholar', aligning well with our family's long-standing tradition of valuing education. However, the test also suggested that the surname could have certain Scandiavian roots. The presence of matches in that region suggests the possibility of an old Norse etymology.
This revelation opened up a new facet of my understanding of my family identity. Is it a name given or earned? Could my ancestors have been scholars, educators or students, valued for their quest for knowledge in their respective communities? The interpretation is enticingly broad, and I intend to delve further.
Deeper personal insight was gained concerning my perception of self-identity. As a Lerner, the academic connotations of my surname have always resonified, but the discovery of potential geographic and cultural disparity is thought-provoking. This exercise has expanded my sense of connection - to both lands and cultures that are simultaneously foreign and familiar.
N. Lerner