Unveiling the Layers of My Ancestry: Shaver, More Than Just a Surname
Family name Shaver
Discovering my family tree through my iGENEA DNA test was an enlightening journey. The test revealed that my surname, Shaver, originated from old Dutch lineage. This knowledge has provided me with a deeper understanding of my family traditions, thereby strengthening my bond with my roots.
My iGENEA DNA test has on offer, an extremely personal journey into the history of my blood. I embarked on this journey with a curiosity that extended far beyond the borders of my immediate family; it was a quest for an intimate understanding of my ancestry that stemmed from my surname - Shaver.
When I received my result, it was a whirlwind of raw, ancestral knowledge that had me feeling a myriad of emotions. To see my past laid out in such a concrete way, rather than being a vague tale passed down through generations, was truly awe-inspiring. Understanding my specific DNA makeup branded my mind with a sense of historical richness I had only ever dreamt of.
The Shavers, it turns out, originates from an old Dutch lineage. This revelation amazed me, as I had intuitively associated my surname with England. A deeper dive showed that my ancestors were Dutch settlers who voyaged to the New World, bringing with them their culture, their dialect, their values - and their names. The name 'Shaver' was a variant of the Dutch name 'Schaefer', which translates to 'shepherd'.
This astonishing revelation has vastly changed my view of my family identity. As I looked around me - at my mannerisms, my habits, my values, my culture - I realised these were steeped in Dutch traditions and were more than mere family eccentricities. This newfound understanding has shed light on my family's inherited traits and philosophies, binding me even closer to my roots.
By linking me to a past that seemed lost forever, this DNA test has imbued me with a broader awareness and a deeply-rooted respect for those who came before me. It has redefined my identity, making me not just a Shaver by name, but by lineage and by heritage as well.
J. Shaver