Tracing Bernal: A Cultural & Historical Portrait of My DNA Ancestry Through iGENEA Test
Family name Bernal
Through the looking glass of the iGENEA DNA test, I ventured on a captivating journey tracing my ancestry and the history of my surname - Bernal. The journey back in time revealed connections to noble knights, Sephardic Jews, the Basque people, and the dramatic eras of conquest, colonization, and religious persecution, enriching my understanding of my identity.
Through the iGENEA DNA test, I explored the deep genetic pathways that date back to my ancient ancestors. The journey of tracing my roots, especially the origination and progression of my surname, Bernal, has not only been incredibly fascinating but also extremely enlightening.
The surname Bernal traces back to Spain in the 9th century, amid the period of Reconquista. The first progenitor with the surname Bernal was a noble knight who served under King Alfonso II of Asturias. For his valor in the campaign against Islamic forces, he was granted status and land, identified as Bernal. This region, in turn, became the root of his new surname—the surname that would continue through my lineage for centuries to come.
Settling in this region, the Bernal dynasty flourished and played a significant role in Spain's history. They journeymaned from their homeland to the New World during the conquest and colonization era. Some Bernals settled in Latin America, thus, spreading the surname across the Americas.
Biologically, my DNA pattern revealed that I share common ancestors with the Basque people—a group infamous for their unique language and culture in Spain. This corroborates with the historical presence of Bernals in the region.
Moreover, DNA mapping suggests Bernals share relations with Sephardic Jews. This implies my ancestors could have been 'Conversos,' Jews who converted to Christianity during religious persecutions, retaining the surname Bernal.
This journey of tracing my roots has fueled a deep appreciation for the struggles and successes of my ancestors. It has also stirred up realizations about my deep ties to Spain's complex history, contributing significantly to my identity.
Z. Bernal