Unraveling Ancestral Tales: How The iGENEA DNA Test Altered My Perception of The Surname Harder and My Family Identity
Family name Harder
When the iGENEA DNA test results unveiled my connection to the historic surname Harder, I embarked on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The revelations changed how I perceive my family identity, branching it out from the familiar to a vast, global saga stretching back to Danish Vikings.
For most of my life, I've been fixated on maintaining a mental scrapbook of my family's history and heritage. Yet, despite the treasure trove of oral narratives passed down through the generations, the idea that I may be part of a narrative greater than myself always seemed elusive. This curiosity drove me to undertake the iGENEA DNA test.
The moment the results arrived, a mixture of excitement and nervousness took over. Quickly scanning through the documents, I saw, almost in bold, the surname Harder. What followed was the discovery of an ancestry that expanded well beyond the borders I was accustomed to.
Tethered to my DNA, I found a trace of Scandinavian ancestry. The link is a strong one with the Danish Vikings and the historic surname Harder. I discovered that the surname Harder is of Danish origin, associated with the old Danish word 'hard' meaning 'strong' or 'brave'. It resonated. It though me that my family's path wasn't always confined to our little town. Instead, it voyaged across the oceans, from the battle-seasoned fields of medieval Denmark to every corner of the world.
For me, these revelations changed how I view my family identity. Whereas before I felt embedded in a somewhat fixed history and culture, I now see a vibrant, fluid heritage that extends far beyond the familiar. It offers me a broader perspective of who we are as a family — we are both local and global; we are both the product of where we've landed and how far we've traveled. The richness, charm, and pathos of our common familial story are more complex than I had initially believed.
Now, every time I make a note of my surname, I feel a deep-seated sense of pride and connection. I am aware that the name Harder holds a thousand years of history, bravery, and voyages. More significantly, it stirs greater empathy and interest in other cultures and their narratives. My worldview is forever expanded, and for this experience, I have my iGENEA DNA test to thank.
D. Harder