Exploring Antique Europe: Tangible Insights into the Historical Journey of the Snell Surname from iGENEA DNA Test Results
Family name Snell
Thrilling results from my iGENEA DNA test has unlocked the doors of my past revealing riveting aspects of my cultural heritage and the intriguing history of my surname, Snell. Tracing origins back to the old Europe, and specifically Anglo-Saxon England, the test provided a link between my lineage and ancient societies.
From my recent iGENEA DNA test, I experienced an incredible journey back in time that revealed fascinating aspects of my lineage and my surname, Snell. The results provide an expansive tapestry of cultural and historical revelations which illuminated my identity in ways I never anticipated.
The Snell surname possesses deep roots that mirror the vast historical routes tracing back to old Europe. Through my DNA test, I learned that the Snell surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, dating back to the seventh century in England. It originated as a nickname for a person considered ‘quick’ or ‘active,’ derived from the Old English word ‘snell,’ meaning ‘quick’ or ‘keen.’ This original meaning gives an intriguing insight into the likely personality traits of my ancestors.
Centuries later, during the Norman conquest of 1066, many families fled their homesteads to avoid the invasion, carrying with them the Snell name. Some found new homes in neighboring Scotland and Ireland, embedding the Snell name into the fabric of these regions.
Subsequent migration movements spread the Snell surname to other parts of the world. Namely, the colonization of the New World in the 17th and 18th centuries saw members of the Snell family establishing themselves in America and Canada. Here, they played a significant role in the shaping of these societies.
One significant revelation from the iGENEA test was my haplogroup, R1b, often linked with Western Europe, particularly the British Isles, showing a strong connection with the Anglo-Saxon populations. Discovering this haplogroup brought a tangible link to my Western European heritage and added another layer of depth to my understanding of the Snell lineage.
This exploration into my surname and DNA roots was an enlightening journey into my cultural history, enriching my understanding of personal identity. It reduced the abstract concepts of ancestry to concrete connections with history, cultures, countries, and populations, manifesting in a profound sense of identity and belonging.
Y. Snell