Can I identify my descent from a known historical figure through DNA testing?
It is important to be aware that the type of research we are undertaking, to enable the identification of descents from known historical figures, depends largely on testing Y-Chromosome DNA, which is only inherited down unbroken male lines. We do not undertake testing for the general public. We focus our limited resources on testing documented descents so that their test results can be used as a benchmark for other test takers in the wider community.
For testing a surname such as Bruce or one of the other surnames in our Scottish Clans and Families research, a male who carries the specific surname needs to test. This is because the Y-Chromosome passes only from a father to his son(s). If you are female you would need to ask a father, brother, uncle, or paternal cousin to take the test.
If you would like to participate in genetic research on your family and explore your connection to Robert the Bruce or other historical figures we would recommend these test companies.
Surname research (Y-DNA test)
Cousin matching (autosomal test)
If you are interested in identifying and matching with genetic cousins in the last 250 years, we would in the first instance recommend testing with the company that has the largest autosomal database which is Ancestry. Results from this test can then be transferred into other test companies such as MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA. Remember autosomal tests are not the same as a Y-DNA test for researching a surname.
Gateway ancestors
If you wish to connect to an historical figure or particular lineage and do not have a Y-DNA sample, the key is to identify a connection to what we term a ‘gateway’ ancestor using traditional documentary evidence or a DNA match to someone who does have documentary evidence. Gateway ancestors are individuals who belong to or married into a noble or other well documented family. As many of these families are inter-related, often multiple times, you can soon find ancestral connections to historical individuals. If you are new to genealogical research why not take our free 6-week course, Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree (FutureLearn)
For updates on our research please revisit our Genetic Genealogy research pages.