Unraveling the Bertschi Legacy: My Transformative Experience with iGENEA DNA Analysis
Family name Bertschi
Recently, I embarked on a genealogical journey with iGENEA, a renowned genetic testing company, to discover the origins of my surname, Bertschi. The DNA analysis revealed the story of resilient Norse ancestors, the migration of my forefathers, and imbued a sense of belonging to a rich heritage, all encoded within my own DNA.
I recently embarked on a genealogical journey with iGENEA, a renowned genetic testing company, to discover the origins of my family roots and my surname, Bertschi. This quest incorporated the fascinating science of DNA analysis, opening doorways to forgotten histories, geographical roots, and family ties previously unknown to me. As I received my test kit, I was emboldened by the knowledge that I was only moments away from decoding the enigma of my late forefathers.
The process was a breeze, with clear instructions on how to collect and preserve my DNA sample. This was followed by a few weeks of suspense as my DNA was deciphered by iGENEA's advanced technology. When I ultimately received my results, it was a eureka moment. I was enthralled by the ancient and diverse roots of my surname, Bertschi. As iGENEA’s comprehensive report revealed, my lineage was essentially Northern European, with a compelling story trailing back to the Norman conquest of England.
It was intriguing to discover how my ancestors, part of a wider Norse diaspora, journeyed from Scandinavia to settle in Britain and then later migrated to Switzerland, finally adding the 'chi' suffix to our surname to denote our Swiss heritage. Bertschi, as it turns out, is a derivative of the name Bertold, which means "bright strength". My DNA analysis highlighted this strength, unveiling my connection to these valiant and adventurous people who migrated, fought, and prevailed.
What truly fascinated me was the tracing of my paternal haplogroup, a genetic marker that uncovers our ancestry from a unique male perspective. It pinpointed my Y-chromosome lineage to the R1b haplogroup, prevalent amongst those of British and Norman descent. As the thread of this lineage unwound, it was stirring to solidify my connection to a band of society-shaping Normans.
The iGENEA DNA test gave my surname Bertschi, an emblem of my identity, a breathtaking historical and geographical context. The knowledge breathed life into the cryptic chapters of my family chronicle, transforming the mere surname Bertschi into a venerable legacy.
No longer do I perceive my surname as just a label that sets me apart, or a mere part of my formal address. Instead, it has become a token of the resilient spirit of my ancestors, whose lives have been indirectly narrated through genetic code and decoded by the marvels of modern science. iGENEA's DNA analysis service has indeed been a gateway to a rich heritage, igniting in me a strong sense of identity and belonging.
L. Bertschi