Connecting with my Roots - The iGENEA DNA Test and my family name, Paulsen: An Intimate Reflection on Identity
Family name Paulsen
Receiving my iGENEA DNA test results was a profound and transformative moment in my life. The information pointed not only towards my ethnic origins in Northern Germany but also shed light on my family's heritage, specifically tied to the surname Paulsen. The insights from the results have significantly reshaped my sense of identity, inducing a deep connection with my lineage and a renewed appreciation for my family's legacy.
When most people receive their DNA test results, they expect a simple representation of their geographic history. Certainly, this was my hope when I sent my cheek swab off to iGENEA. I imagined a collection of pins dotting a map, marking the global journey of my ancestors. However, when the findings came in, they were far more complex and meaningful than I could have anticipated.
The analysis traced a significant percentage of my DNA to Northern Germany, specifically the areas known to have been inhabited by the ancient North Sea Germanic people, confirming my long-held family belief of our Scandinavian heritage. The unexpected revelation, however, was the historical association with the surname "Paulsen".
Paulsen, a traditional Germanic patronymic name, derived from the given name "Paul", hints towards a line of patriarchs in my family tree bearing the same moniker. The sudden realization that I shared a strong connection with generations of Paulsens was a profound experience. It made the shadow of our past more tangible.
Interestingly, the Paulsen lineage was likely significant within their community, potentially holding integral roles over the centuries. This suggestion ignited a new perspective on the legacy I was born into and has subsequently fostered a renewed sense of pride in our family name.
The results also prompted a deeper dive into the cultural practices and societal norms of our forebears. Starting to understand the hardships, triumphs, and, most importantly, the daily life of the Paulsens has made me appreciate the strength, resilience, and adaptability that is inherent in our DNA.
Taking the iGENEA DNA test has not merely affirmed my genealogical interest in understanding my genetic makeup, but it has also instigated a personal journey into exploring my family identity. The information provides a fresh lens to view my heritage, bringing a new depth of respect and appreciation for the family name Paulsen.
This newfound understanding, shown through my DNA results, has been emotionally charging. Every day the revelations influence my perceptions and decisions, making me more rooted in my identity as a part of the Paulsen legacy.
In a way, I believe partaking in the iGENEA DNA test was my subconscious desire to find a piece of my identity that I felt was missing. And now, after understanding the significance behind the surname Paulsen, I feel more complete and connected to my roots than ever before.
H. Paulsen