Unearthing My Lineage: An Illuminating Journey Into the Cultural and Historical Roots of My Surname, Mills
Family name Mills
Being a part of a historical saga, spun throughout centuries and across continents, is something I have always wondered about. This has been elucidated by the iGENEA DNA test, which traced back the historical and cultural roots of my surname Mills. It provided me with an enlightening experience into my family's past, spanning thousands of years, unveiling connections to Anglo-Saxon England, Normandy, the Jewish Diaspora, and the corridors of the American and Irish histories.
My iGENEA DNA test opened a window into my ancestry, providing a rich tapestry of cultural and historical connections stretching back thousands of years. It unpacked the origins and history of my surname, Mills, revealing fascinating details about my heritage.
In the beginning, there were the Anglo-Saxons of ancient Britain, where my surname first took root. Mills, as I discovered, was an occupational name referring to individuals who owned or worked in grain mills.
Later on, around the 7th century A.D., the name gained prominence as families carrying the Mills moniker found significance in England's developing societies. Often, they held key roles in communities, marking a distinctive social status within their locales.
There are indications that my ancestors were part of the Normandy region as well. The surname, with variants Mill, Mille, and Milne, was documented in Normandy, suggesting an intriguing Norman link. This also might be the reason for the distribution of the surname across northern France, before the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Afterward, during the 13th century, the surname made its enduring mark in history when the Mills family established themselves in the counties of Hampshire and Sussex in England. They were among the early pioneers who ventured into America in the 17th century, helping shape the building blocks of the New World.
The DNA test unveiled my deep Jewish ancestry, reaffirming a strong connection with the Jewish community, tracing its roots back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Located in the Near East, they were likely part of the community that promoted cultural exchange during the time of the Persian Empire.
The Presbyterian tradition within my lineage could be traced to the Scottish Scottish Lowlanders who held the Mills surname and served as significant links to this branch of Christianity. Their arrival to the Ulster region of Ireland during the 17th-century Plantation period could be why I have Irish origins.
Overall, the results from the iGENEA DNA test have painted a vibrant picture of my past, linking the dots in my lineage, unraveling my family’s multi-faceted journey across cultures, religions, and continents.
S. Mills