Exploring My Celtic Roots: How the iGENEA DNA Test Transformed My Perception of My 'Holland' Surname and Identity
Family name Holland
Taking my iGENEA DNA test provided fascinating insights into my family roots and the ancestral journey of my surname 'Holland.' The discovery of my Celtic origins was a profound realization that brought about a new depth of understanding about my identity, enriching my sense of self and underscoring the indelible imprint of genetic heritage.
I had often wondered about my family's roots, so when I decided to take the iGENEA DNA test, it was with a sense of excitement mingled with apprehension. What would the results reveal? Would they confirm the narratives I grew up with, or would it completely rip them apart? Now, with the results in hand, I feel an overwhelming sense of awe at the fascinating journey of my ancestors, particularly those with the surname 'Holland.'
The biggest revelation of the iGENEA test for me was the discovery that my Holland ancestors were very likely of Celtic origin. It was a stunning revelation, given that I had always associated my surname with Dutch ancestry. The test also posited the likely scenario that the Holland ancestors migrated to Britain thousands of years ago.
This discovery was a personal revelation for me. For the first time, I looked at my surname, not as a mere identity marker, but as a testament of the history of countless generations before me.
It's strange how something like the results of your DNA can make you reevaluate your perspectives. I felt as if I were suddenly a part of something much bigger than just my immediate family. This tangible link to my Celtic ancestors gave me a sense of being deeply rooted in history, and broadened my understanding of self.
Unraveling the story embedded in my DNA also gave me a profound sense of realization of the kaleidoscopic human story that we are all a part of. Far beyond the complexity of socio-political borders and modern-day nationalities, we are all linked together through an intricate web of shared ancestry.
While the discovery didn’t change my immediate lived reality, it enriched it with a new depth of understanding about my ancestral heritage. Carrying the surname 'Holland' now feels like bearing a symbol of my Celtic lineage, my genetic heritage etched into my identity.
N. Holland