Discovering the Cultural and Historical Lineage of my Surname, Reynolds, Through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Reynolds
Using an iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on a voyage of self-discovery, exploring the roots of my surname, Reynolds. This expedition into my past revealed surprising links to different cultures, geographical locations, and historical events, ultimately weaving a rich tapestry of my ancestry.
The intriguing journey into my past via an iGENEA DNA test has provided a remarkable insight into the cultural and historical lineage of my surname, Reynolds. Surprisingly, the Reynolds surname has its roots spread widely across geographical locations, variegated cultures, and rich historical events. My ancestral journey, unravelled through this DNA study, turned out to be an intricate tapestry painted with surprising hues of cultural diversity.
Initially, I was under the impression that Reynolds has Irish origins. The result of the DNA test, indeed, affirmed Irish roots, specifically pointing towards Gaelic origins. However, further DNA analysis disclosed that the name Reynolds is derived from two Old Norse words, 'ragin' and 'wald' which respectively means 'counsel' and 'rule.' Indicative of the Viking footprints, the iGENEA test provided convincing evidence of my disposition towards Norse heritage.
Historically, the Reynolds appeared in English documents as early as 1327. Subsequent shifts in phonetics and spellings over the past centuries morphed the original Gaelic 'Mac Raghnaill' into the modern form, 'Reynolds.' As the Gaelic prefix 'Mac' indicates 'son of,' it is inferred that I descended from a progenitor named Raghnaill.
Additionally, it was fascinating to learn about the historical migration patterns of my Reynolds forebears. The data not only illuminated the migration journey from Ireland to England during the Norman conquest but also the eventual voyage across the Atlantic during the migration waves of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The study also highlighted Reynolds' involvement in various societal roles across history. A significant number served as soldiers, landlords, and statesmen, pointing towards a lineage of resilience, leadership, and service.
This iGENEA DNA journey has bolstered my connection with the surname Reynolds, infusing me with a sense of profound pride and belonging to a lineage replete with interesting historical events, cultural diversity, and geographical vastness. The captivating past of Reynolds unraveled through genetic genealogy indeed stimulates a new-found respect for the name I bear.
D. Reynolds