Excavating the Rickard DNA: A Cultural and Historical Voyage of My Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Rickard
Understanding as much about my genealogical heritage played a strong role in shaping my identity. Therefore, I took an iGENEA DNA test to dig into my roots and the intriguing history of my surname, Rickard. The experiences were enlightening, tracing connections to England, Germany, and the Nordic countries, and discovering characteristics of leadership, bravery, and a rich seafaring heritage.
Amid my voyage into understanding the origins of my lineage and our shared history, I decided to take an iGENEA DNA test — a choice that led me to dive deeper into the enchanting universe of cultural diversity. My surname, Rickard, the central facet of this expedition, had always intrigued me. The discoveries made not only provided a personal satisfaction, but also imbued me with a more profound kinship with the past.
Our family name, Rickard, holds roots predominantly in England and Germany. In my journey, I found that the name originates from the old Teutonic words 'ric', which means a ruler or king, and 'hard', which signifies hardy or brave, thus yielding the conclusion that the name Rickard implies 'a brave ruler'. This etymological finding instilled a sense of pride and responsibility in me, augmenting my understanding of why leadership and courage are intrinsic characteristics in our family.
Medieval records showed the first instances of this surname in Cornwall, a county on England's rugged southwestern tip, shaping the idea that my ancestors were inhabitants of this region. Given its strategic location, the lives of the Cornish people have been heavily influenced by maritime endeavors and mining, suggesting that my predecessors might have been sailors, miners, or even pirates!
Moreover, my DNA voyage revealed that our genetic lineage belongs to the subgroup L21, a part of the R1b haplogroup, which is predominantly Western European. The distribution of this haplogroup strongly suggests that my ancestors were part of the Celtic tribes that spread across Europe around 3,000 years ago. The Celts were known for their unique art, mythology, and sophisticated societal structure which has surely played a role in our cultural formation.
Finally, the iGENEA test traced a smaller percentage of my DNA to the Nordic countries, implying the possibility of a Viking connection. This Scandinavian trail supplemented an exciting dimension to my historical journey, as it uncovered not just a rich seafaring heritage but also the invincibility of the Viking age.
In conclusion, the iGENEA DNA test enlightened me about the powerful journey my ancestors embarked on — a journey of brave rulers, of sailors and miners, of Celts, and possibly, Vikings. It helped unravel the rich tapestry of time that is intertwined with my surname, Rickard.
Z. Rickard