iGENEA DNA Test: Unraveling the Complex Story Behind the Tarver Surname
Family name Tarver
I've always identified with the Tarver surname and assumed it held an Anglo-French origin - until the complex story unraveled by my iGENEA DNA test. The test results offered a surprising and enriching insight into my family history, beckoning a review of self-perception and strengthening my connection to my surname.
My experiences with the iGENEA DNA test have truly been an eye-opener, unravelling hidden truths about my lineage and turning my understanding of my surname Tarver on its head. Coming from a long line of Tarvers, I had always associated it with a specific heritage and narrative. The DNA test has completely reshuffled the deck, bringing to light many fascinating facts I previously hadn't considered.
Always intrigued with our ancestral past, I envisioned us hailing primarily from England with a faint trace of French lineage. The iGENEA test results painted a different picture. To my surprise, our DNA marked a significant percentage of Central European ancestry, primarily hailing from areas like Germany and the Alps area.
This information cast my understanding of the Tarver identity in a different light. Our family had always proudly recalled tales of our supposed Franco-Anglo descent, and traditional family gatherings echoed traces of these imagined roots. These traditions may have been influenced by cultural influences that don't technically tie to our genetic lineage but inadvertently became defining elements of our Tarver identity.
The revelation has not stripped away these traditions, but added complexities and diversity to our identity. On the contrary, a sense of shared family history instils connectivity and unity. Understanding our genetic lineage adds a fresh lens through which to view these practices and adds a new dimension to our collective identity.
While reflecting on our past and revisiting our family narrative, I have developed a newfound appreciation of the Tarver name. I feel even more connected with my family, proud of our rich, layered heritage and the diversity it encapsulates. Recognizing the longevity of the Tarver lineage across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes has enhanced my sense of belonging.
Getting involved with genealogy through iGENEA DNA testing has infused me with a sense of wonder about our shared human history. It's made me curious about those unseen threads that stretch back through time, connecting us all. Ultimately, it’s made me appreciate the rich tapestry of the human story, in which the Tarvers—including me—are but a single colourful strand.
W. Tarver