List of All Posts Published on Who Are You Made Of Blog
How Many Generations are in 500 Years?-There are about 20 generations in 500 years of ancestors. Learn how we calculate this discover how many generations are in your tree going back 500 years.
What is the Iberian Peninsula: DNA Ethnicity-What is the Iberian Peninsula DNA ethnicity? If you got this region in your DNA, you will want to read this post to find how you got this DNA - and more!
How to Know How a First Cousin Match is Related-In this post, learn how to know how a first cousin match is related to you, as well as some other important aspects of understanding your DNA matches.
How Much DNA Do We Share With Our Ancestors?-Want to know how much DNA you would share with your ancestors? Here learn how much DNA you likely inherited from the past generations of your ancestors.
Why Are My Ancestry and 23andMe Results Different?-If you tested your DNA with both Ancestry and 23andMe, you might be asking why your results are different, and which are most accurate. Find the answer here.
What is a Seventh Cousin?-Do you want to know what a seventh cousin is? In this post, find the definition of a seventh cousin, how you are related, how many you have, and much more!
What Are Ancestry Public Member Trees?-Do you want to learn all about Ancestry Public Member Trees? In this post, find out when you can see them, when you can't, and how to search them.
What does cM Shared Mean in DNA results?-What does cM shared mean in your DNA results? What does shared DNA mean? Find out here, plus learn where to find this information on your DNA match list.
What is a NPE?-Have you heard or read the acronym "NPE"? Do you want to know what is an NPE? Are you curious about how common it is to see NPEs in a family tree?
What is a Sixth Cousin?-Do you want to learn about sixth cousins? In this article, find out what a sixth cousin is, how they are related, how many you have, and much more!
Which DNA Test Shows Haplogroup?-Want to know which popular DNA test shows your haplogroup? Learn the answer, who should take the test, and what to expect from your haplogroup results.
What Does French and German Mean on 23andMe?-Got French and German on your 23andMe Ancestry Composition results? This means that you may have had ancestors who lived here - find out more in this post!
How Much DNA Do You Share With a Great-Grandparent?-How much DNA do you share with a great-grandparent? Will they show up on your DNA match list? In this post, find the answers to these questions and more!
What is a Great-Grandparent?-Most people have eight great-grandparents. Here, learn the definition of great-grandparents, as well as how many generations back they are, and much more.
Can Ancestry DNA Tell Me Who My Father Is?-Can Ancestry DNA tell you who your father is? Learn whether, how, and when your Ancestry DNA results can help you learn the identity of a biological father.
How Long Does Ancestry DNA Take? Test FAQs-Do you have questions about the Ancestry DNA test? In this post, learn how long Ancestry DNA takes, what you learn, whether it's worth it - and more.
What is the DNA Painter Shared cM Tool?-Want to learn about the best cM DNA calculator? Learn what the DNA Painter Shared cM tool is, how it works, and where the data behind the tool comes from.
How to Share Ancestry DNA Results-In this post, I'll show you the easiest way to share Ancestry DNA results with friends or family, as well as make changes to your DNA Results Sharing list.
How Do Family Trees Work?-A family tree is a diagram or chart showing how people are related in a family. In this post, learn how they work, what they look like, and who is included.
What is the MDLP Project on Gedmatch?-The MDLP Project on Gedmatch provides ancestry estimates. In this article, learn the basics about MDLP, differences between the models, and how to learn more.
Where Can I Buy Ancestry DNA?-Do you want to know where you can buy Ancestry DNA? In this post, learn the answer, as well as whether you can buy it in stores, or as a gift for someone else. Purchasing your Ancestry DNA test is the first step to a fascinating journey. Whether you want to discover biological relatives, find …
What is a Double First Cousin?-A double first cousin is a person who is your first cousin – twice. In this article, find out exactly how double first cousins are related, as well as see a family tree example. Most of us – if we look hard enough – can find double cousins in our family tree. In fact, we …
How to Find Unknown Siblings-Are you wondering how to find unknown siblings? Can you find them even if you don’t know their names? In this post, learn the answers to these questions, as well as learn top tips for finding siblings you don’t know. There are many reasons why a person might want to search for unknown siblings. A …
Genetic Groups on MyHeritage Explained-Did you get a Genetic Group on MyHeritage DNA? In this post, learn what it means to get assigned to one of the 2,114 available Genetic Groups, and how to use this information. The Genetic Group feature on MyHeritage DNA is an exciting new development for those who have tested with the site. This feature …
My Heritage DNA vs. Ancestry DNA-Are you trying to choose between MyHeritage DNA vs. Ancestry DNA for testing? Both companies offer a reliable DNA testing service at a similar price, so how do you decide which one is best for you? In this post, I’ll tell you what I love about each company and what each one does better than …
How Many Segments are in DNA?-Humans have 46 DNA segments on their 23 chromosomes, 23 inherited from each parent. In this article, learn more about these DNA segments, as well as what it means to share DNA segments with other relatives. DNA segments are an important part of understanding how we are related to our DNA matches. When we see …
New Year’s Resolutions Ideas for the Genealogist-It’s that time of year again: time to decide what your resolutions for the new year will be. In this post, find 30 ideas for New Year’s resolutions for the genealogist and family historian. One of my favorite things to do on New Year’s Day is enjoying a warm cup of coffee and writing down …
What is % Shared DNA on Ancestry?-Have you seen % Shared DNA on your Ancestry match list? In this post, learn what percent shared DNA means, and how to use this information to figure out your connection with your DNA matches. The percentage of shared DNA showing up on the Ancestry DNA match list is a new feature for 2020. I’m …
What is Indigenous Americas – Yucatan Peninsula on Ancestry?-Did you get Indigenous Americas – Yucatan Peninsula on your Ancestry DNA results? This region is one of 87 Mexican regions and sub-regions currently available on Ancestry results. In this post, learn more about this fascinating region and its people, as well as: Which countries and regions are located within the Yucatan Peninsula DNA region …
Use Your DNA Matches to Build Your Tree Wide-Building a wide family tree will help you understand how your DNA matches are related, and learn more about your ancestors. In this post, I’ll teach you to use your DNA matches to build your tree wide. I have a confession to make: I used to be a name collector. When it came to family …
Which Grandparent Are You Most Related To?-Do you want to know which grandparent you are most related to, from a DNA perspective? In this article learn how to know which grandparent you likely share the most genes with, understand why, and find out how to know for sure. My oldest son looks and behaves in a very similar fashion to my …
Ancestry DNA vs. Family Tree DNA – A Review-Are you deciding between Ancestry DNA vs Family Tree DNA? Don't know which one to use? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each here.
What is Consanguinity?-Do you want to know the definition of consanguinity? In this article, you will find an easy-to-understand explanation of the concept of consanguinity, along with a few examples. You will also learn: The origins of the term “consanguinity” What are degrees of consanguinity What is consanguinity in genetics? This is one of those topics that …
10 Most Popular Posts in 2020 on the WAYMO Blog-In this post, you will find the most popular blog posts of 2020 on the Who Are You Made Of (WAYMO) blog. It’s a great way to see the variety of topics covered on the site, as well as to explore what is popular. Did you know that there are many hundreds of articles on …
Leeds Method of DNA Analysis-Do you want to learn more about the Leeds Method DNA analysis? In this post, learn exactly how to use this method to organize your fourth cousin DNA matches. You will also find out: What the Leeds Method in DNA actually is The benefits of using this strategy to cluster your DNA matches How you …
Why Does My Ancestry DNA Not Show My Native American Heritage?-Did your Ancestry DNA not show Native American heritage in your results? In this post, learn the reasons why your Native American roots might not have shown up on your Ancestry results. We know how the saying goes: “DNA doesn’t lie“. But what does it mean when you know for sure that you have Native …
What is a Cousin Once Removed in Genealogy?-In this post, you will learn the meaning of a cousin once-removed in genealogy, whether it’s a first, second, third cousin once-removed. You will be able to use the information that you learn in this article to figure out your degree of cousin-ness to even more distant cousins, too. Cousin relationships are complicated! First cousins, …
MRCA on Gedmatch: What does it mean?-Do you want to know what MRCA means on Gedmatch? In this post, learn exactly what MRCA means, as well as how to use this information to understand your connection to your DNA matches. The term MRCA is most often found on the Gedmatch Autosomal One-to-One Comparison Tool. This is a very useful tool that …
What Does It Mean If You Have 1% Native American DNA?-Did you get 1% Native American DNA on your DNA results? What does it mean? In this post, learn what it means to find 1% of your DNA matches this region. The ethnicity estimate is one of the most popular reasons for DNA testing. Many people want to explore their ancestry, and believe that they …
What is Trace Ancestry on 23andMe?-Have you seen your trace ancestry regions on 23andMe? In this post, learn what trace ancestry is and how to learn more about your ancestors from those areas. To many people, trace ancestry is the most exciting aspect of their DNA results. The trace regions are the most likely the ones that surprise us and …
X DNA Shared Between Half-Sisters with the Same Mother: Comparison-Do you need to see a comparison of shared X-DNA between half-sisters with the same mother? In this post, learn how much X-DNA is shared between two maternal half-siblings. Plus, I will provide you with an explanation of how X-DNA is passed down from a mother to her children. This will help you understand more …
Can You Trace Ancestry With a Last Name?-Do you want to know if it is possible to trace ancestry with a last name? In this helpful article, find out what you can learn from your last name, as well as whether your last name can tell you where your family is from. While there is a lot that you can learn from …
How to Use Ancestry DNA Without Taking a Test-Is it possible to use Ancestry DNA without taking a test? In this post, learn how to use Ancestry DNA to access the results of family members that have given you access. If you have not done an Ancestry DNA test, yet have family members who have, you might wonder if it’s possible for you …
How to Know if You Have Endogamy in Your DNA Matches-Do you want to if you have endogamy in your DNA matches? In this post, learn how to spot it, as well as see examples of endogamy so you can know what to look for in your DNA match list. In this article, you’ll learn: A basic definition of endogamy How engodamy affects our DNA …
Alternative Facts in Genealogy: Finding the truth in my family tree-Is there such a thing as alternative facts in genealogy? In this post, learn how to explore the truth in your family tree and what to do with what you learn. Those of us who are actively researching our family histories can often feel pressure to make our research match our family stories, legends, and …
100 Best Family History Interview Questions-You will find the best 100 family history interview questions in this post. These questions will help you conduct a detailed family history interview to create an original source for your family tree research. Documenting your family history by talking to living relatives is the best way to start your journey into genealogy. The story …
Why Did Your 23andMe Results Change?-Did your 23andMe results change? In this post, find out details about the latest 23andMe update and why your results might occasionally change. While it’s exciting to see our Ancestry Composition Report change, it can be slightly disconcerting. Why is it changing, and does it mean the previous results were wrong? 23andMe likes to describe …
Is the Ancestry DNA Test Accurate?-Wondering if the Ancestry DNA test is accurate? Whether you want to know about the accuracy of DNA matches or ethnicity estimate, this post is for you.
10 Most Common Census Errors-Even though census records valuable sources of genealogical information, they are not always correct. Here, learn to spot the most common census errors.
What is the Genealogical Time Frame?-Have you heard the phrase “genealogical time frame” mentioned? In this post, find out exactly what this means as well as why it is important in family tree and genetic genealogy research. This is a key term that will help build your foundational knowledge of genealogy. I did a quick search on one of the …
What is Unweighted Shared DNA on Ancestry?-Do you want to learn about the unweighted shared DNA data on Ancestry? In this post, find out the differences between weighted and unweighted shared DNA, how this information is calculated and how to use it in researching your connection to your DNA matches. You will learn: Where to find unweighted shared DNA on your …
How to Download Your Ethnicity Data from 23 and Me-If you did your DNA test with 23 and Me, you have access to an amazing level of detail in your Ancestry Composition Report. Find out how to download your ethnicity data from 23andMe in this article.
What is Overlap on Gedmatch?-Do you want to know what overlap means on Gedmatch results? In this post, learn all about overlap, including low overlap and overlap cutoff.
Free Websites to Upload Your DNA-If you got your DNA results back and are enjoying all that you are learning from them, you might wonder if there are other free websites to upload your DNA to learn even more. It turns out that there are tons of great websites where you can upload your raw DNA. Note: If you haven’t …
Use DNA to Explore Your Cultural Heritage-Can you use your DNA results to explore your cultural heritage? And if you can, should you? The answer to both of these questions is a firm "yes".
Predicted relationship on Ancestry: What does it really mean?-In this post, I’ll help you understand the basics of the “predicted relationship” on Ancestry DNA. You will learn what the term means and how to use this information. Whether you are just starting out learning how to understand your DNA match list, or you have a specific DNA match in mind that you’d like …
How to Delete Your DNA Data From Gedmatch-Do you want to know how to delete your DNA data from Gedmatch? If you want to know the easy steps to follow, you will find them here. In addition, you will also learn whether Gedmatch stores your actual DNA. If you have a family tree (GEDCOM) on the site, you will see how to …
What is a First-Cousin Once-Removed?- In this post, we will discuss the meaning of “first cousin once-removed”. Plus, learn how to figure out how many degrees removed you are from your cousins, and see examples of cousins-removed. In some families, cousins are just cousins. In genealogy, however, we like to get specific since the exact nature of a cousin relationship …
Ethnicity Estimates: Myth vs. Fact-Ethnicity estimates are the most popular feature of DNA tests, yet also the most controversial. In this post, I’ll dispel a few of the top myths about ethnicity estimates and provide you with the facts. The increased popularity of DNA testing has inspired people who don’t really know very much about the topic to chime …
What is the Spain Ethnicity Region on Ancestry DNA?-Did you get the Spain DNA region on your Ancestry ethnicity estimate? In this post, you’ll learn where this region is located, how you may have inherited it, as well as how to start tracing it in your family tree. Whether you are surprised to see DNA from Spain in your results, or you were …
Genealogy: How to Stop Losing Track of Time-Ever lose track of time doing genealogy? I will give you some tips on how to keep your family tree research moving forward and have good time management.
How Much DNA Do I Share With My Grandchild?-Are you wondering how much DNA you would share with a grandchild? Is it a set amount, or could it vary? What’s the percentage of DNA that we share with our grandchildren? Do grandchildren always show up on DNA tests? How much of our ethnicity regions should they share with us? I’ll answer all of …
What is the Scotland DNA Region on Ancestry?-Did you get DNA matching the Scotland ethnicity region on Ancestry DNA? In this post, find out what it means to have Scottish DNA, how you inherited DNA from this region, and how to trace it. The addition of Scotland to the Ancestry DNA roster of ethnicity regions is very exciting. It’s the first time …
What Do the Percentages on My Ethnicity Estimate Mean?-If you have just gotten your DNA results back, you might have noticed that your ethnicity estimate is reported in percentages. Are you wondering what all of these what do ethnicity percentages mean? Does having a lot of one particular DNA region mean that you have recent ancestry from there? Does a low percentage mean …
Why Does My Ancestry DNA Ethnicity Estimate Change?-Find out here why your ethnicity estimate changed based on the latest research, how to know if it is up-to-date, and whether it's more accurate post-update.
10 Things You Should Do While Waiting For Your DNA Results-Are you wondering what you should do while you are waiting for your DNA results to be ready? In this post, find a helpful list of things you can do while you wait – and they will also help you get the most from your DNA results once you get them. You took the big …
Full-Sibling or a Half-Sibling? DNA Details-In this post, I’ll explain how to know whether your DNA match or known sibling is a full or half-sibling. Plus, I’ll tell you my perspective on what to do if you have discovered that you and your siblings are half-siblings. Do you have a new DNA match that looks like they might be a …
Can 23andMe Detect Native American Ancestry?-Are you wondering if 23andMe can detect Native American ancestry on their DNA test? In this post, learn how to trace your Native American DNA on 23andMe.
Will 23andMe Show Jewish Ancestry?-Are you wondering if you have Jewish ancestry, and whether it will show up on 23andMe? In this post, find out exactly how Jewish DNA shows up on 23andMe.
Are 23andMe and Ancestry the Same?-Are you wondering if 23andMe and Ancestry DNA are the same? While they are similar tests, they offer different results. Learn which test is best for you.
Why Is Family History Important?-Do you want to know why family history is important? Learn why the study of one's family history crucial for understanding the past, present, and future.
What is Longest Segment on Ancestry DNA?-Did you know that you now can see the size of the longest segment shared with your DNA matches on Ancestry? Here, how to find and use this information.
What is Cluster Genealogy?-Do you want to learn how to use cluster or collateral genealogy? This research strategy can help you solve family tree mysteries and identify ancestors.
What is a Fifth Cousin?-Want to know the definition of a fifth cousin? Learn all about how fifth cousins are related, the common ancestors they share, and how many you might have.
Changes to Ancestry DNA Matches?-Big changes to your Ancestry DNA match list? Have less DNA matches than before? Learn what type of changes happened in your match list and how to proceed.
How Much DNA Do You Share With a Parent?-Do you want to know how much DNA, in centimorgans and percentages, you share with a parent? In this post, learn the answer, plus much more! Everyone was born with two parents, and it is very interesting learn more about the genetic connection to these very important individuals. After all, without them we would not …
What is a First Cousin?-Do you want to know what a first cousin is? In this post, find the definition of first cousin and exactly how a first cousin is related to you.
How is Your Gedmatch DNA Match Related?-Have you tried out Gedmatch? One of the most popular tools on the site is the One-to-Many Comparison where you receive a long list of DNA matches. Who are these people and what is your connection to them? In this post, I’ll give you some different strategies to help you determine how you and your …
Ancestry’s Database Grows to 18 Million DNA Samples-How big is Ancestry's database? Find out, plus learn why a database this size can help you learn more about your ancestors if you want to do a DNA test.
How Many Generations Back is 2% DNA?-Did you get 2% of a region on your DNA results? Learn how you may have inherited this region, how far back to look for your ancestor, and how to trace it.
Can DNA Trace Mexican Ancestry?-If you have Mexican ancestors, you may be wondering what a DNA test can tell you, and whether or not it can help you trace your family tree. In this post, learn what a DNA test can reveal, how it can help you trace your Mexican roots, and even how to find free Mexican family …
How Do Half-Siblings Show Up On Gedmatch?-Want to know how half-siblings show up on Gedmatch? Find out how half-siblings match on the site, and how to know if a match is a full or half-sibling.
Can 23andMe Be Wrong About DNA Relatives?-Tested at 23andMe and wonder if your results about DNA Relatives can be wrong? Here, learn what you need to know about the accuracy of your DNA matches.
How to Trace Eastern European Jewish Genealogy-Are you interested in learning how to trace Eastern European Jewish genealogy? In this post, I'll give you some advice about how to get started, and more!
What Are Common Ancestor Hints on Ancestry DNA?-Do you want to know what Common Ancestor Hints are on Ancestry DNA? Here, I'll explain to you exactly what these hints are, how to access them, and more.
How to Search on Ancestry: Tips and Tricks-There are tons of great records and documents on Ancestry. Here, find the best tips and tricks for doing a search on Ancestry to help you get what you need.
5 Reasons to Take a DNA Test-Are you or someone you know thinking about taking a DNA test? In this post, learn the top five reasons to take a DNA test to learn more about your ancestry.
Best Gedmatch Calculator for African American Ancestry-If you are looking for the best Gedmatch calculator for African-American ancestry, you have come to the right place. In this post, learn which admixture calculator and model to use that best matches your unique DNA. If you have African ancestry and you aren’t from the United States, or if you don’t identify as African-American …
What are DNA Discoveries on Ancestry?-Have you noticed the DNA Discoveries on Ancestry? In this post, learn how to find them, what they are, and how they can help you learn about your ancestors.
All About DNA Segments-Here, find out what it means to share DNA across segments. Plus, explore what each DNA segment means, and if the number of shared DNA segments matters.
DNA Matches on My Heritage: Tutorial-Did you do your DNA with My Heritage? In this post, learn how to understand your DNA matches, find out how you are related, and more!
Which Ancestry Sites are Free?-Do you want to know which ancestry sites are free? In this post, find out about free places to find genealogy records and build your family tree online.
What Does the Largest Segment Mean on Gedmatch-If you've used Gedmatch, you need to know what the largest segment means. Here, you will learn what it is and how to understand and use this information.
What is Family History Indexing?-What is family history indexing? In this post, learn the answer, as well as find out about different types of indexing projects, and how to get involved.
Pedigree Collapse Explained-Want to know how to understand pedigree collapse? Here, find the definition, see examples, and learn how to find it in our family trees.
How Much DNA Do You Share With an Aunt or Uncle?-Do you want to know how much DNA you share with an aunt or uncle? In this post, learn about the DNA shared with aunts and uncles. You’ll also find out: Why we don’t share more DNA with our aunts and uncles Whether your aunt or uncle will have the same ethnicity results as you …
How to Use Ancestry Without a Subscription-Do you want to know how to use Ancestry without a subscription? How much can you do on Ancestry for free? Here, learn the answer to these questions!
Are Ancestry Family Trees Private?-Do you want to know if the trees that you build on Ancestry are private? In this post, find out who can see your tree - and more!
What is the Leeds Method?-Do you want to know what the Leeds Method is? In this post, learn about the origins of this method and how the Leeds Method can help you learn more about your family using your DNA matches. You can use the Leeds Method if you: Have taken an autosomal DNA test, like the one offered …
Family History: Where To Start-Are you ready to get started learning about your family history? In this post, you will find the best tips for a beginning family tree researcher.
Do DNA Tests for Ancestry Work?-Do DNA tests for ancestry really work? They do, and it is one of the most exciting ways to learn about your family's history. Learn more in this article!
Can You Share DNA and Not Be Related?-Do you ever wonder if you are really related to all of your DNA matches? In other words, is it possible to share DNA and not be truly related?
How to Link DNA Matches to Family Tree-Did you know you can link DNA matches to your family tree on Ancestry? In this post, learn how and why you should take advantage of this new feature. ==
How to Upload to DNA Land: Tutorial-Want to know how to upload to DNA Land? In this easy tutorial, you'll see the steps, and learn exactly what you can discover about your DNA on this site.
What Does Native American Mean on 23andMe-What does Native American on your 23andMe results mean? Learn more about your results, and discover how to find your indigenous ancestor in your family tree.
What is an X DNA Match on Family Tree DNA?-Want to know what it means to have an X DNA match on Family Tree DNA? Here, learn the answer, plus how to figure out how your X DNA match is related.
How Much DNA Do Half Siblings Share?-Do you want to know how much DNA siblings share? Here, you'll learn the answer, including the percent DNA and centimorgans shared between half-siblings.
How Do I Find My Ancestor’s Parents?-Your ancestor had parents - there is no doubt about that, but how do you figure out who they were? Here, learn tips on how to find your ancestor's parents.
Can a Photo Tell Your Ethnicity?-Do you want to know if an app can tell your ethnicity based on a photo? The answer is no, it can’t – learn the reasons why in this post. It is easy to understand why we are tempted to want to be able to upload a photograph and learn about our ancestry. These days, …
How Do I Find Someone’s Grave Online for Free-Curious about how to to find someone's grave? Graves can be a useful genealogy tool - here find free places to look online for your ancestor's grave site.
How to Hide a Match on Ancestry DNA-Want to learn how to hide a DNA match on Ancestry? Here, I'll show you steps to hide a DNA match, plus how to see matches that you have already hidden.
A Journal for Organizing DNA Matches-Do you want to know a great way to keep your research about DNA matches organized? In this post, learn about my DNA Match Organizer Journal.
How Many DNA Segments Do First Cousins Share?-Do you want to know how many DNA segments first cousins share? Here, I'll show you some examples and discuss shared DNA segments between first cousins.
How Much DNA Do You Share With a Sibling?-Do you want to know how much DNA siblings share? In this post, learn the percentage and centimorgans of DNA shared between siblings, and more!
Six Reasons to Send Your DNA Matches Messages-Do you want to know reasons to send your DNA matches message? In this post, I will give you six excellent reasons to contact your DNA matches.
How to Test Your DNA: Guide for Beginners-Are you interested in learning how to test your DNA? Here, learn how to test your DNA, beginning with the basics - including how to choose a DNA test.
How to Make Your Family Tree Into a Website-Want to know how to make your family tree into a website? Here, learn how to export your tree into web formats in order to share your research with others.
How Accurate is the 23andMe Family Tree?-23andMe results come with access to lots of great tools. In this post, learn how accurate the 23andMe Family Tree tool is, and how to help make it more accurate. Understanding the accuracy of this feature and how to work with it to make it give you better information is key to learning as much …
How to Use the My Heritage Chromosome Browser-Are you wondering how to use the My Heritage Chromosome Browser tool? In this post, I'll show you how, as well as how to understand the results.
How to Use DNA Painter-Have you heard of chromosome painting and want to know how to use DNA Painter? In this post, I'll show you how with step-by-step instructions.
Stuck at Home? Learn How to Use DNA for Genealogy-When we are stuck at home - for whatever reason - it helps to have a fulfilling hobby to get involved with. Fortunately, DNA for genealogy is perfect!
Native American DNA Haplogroups-What are the Native American haplogroups seen in mtDNA or Y-DNA? Learn which haplogroups are considered to be Native American in this post.
How to Take Genealogy Notes-Do you want to know how to take genealogy notes? Taking notes can save you time in the future and help keep your research focused. Learn more in this post!
Family Tree DNA Tutorial-Do you want to learn how to use Family Tree DNA? In this post, you will find a detailed Family Tree DNA Tutorial for beginners to help you get the most from your DNA results. This tutorial includes step-by-step instructions, images, and examples. My goal is to help you learn as much as you can …
How to Use Ancestry DNA Results-Are you wondering how to use Ancestry DNA results? In this post, I will explain how to get the most of each element of your Ancestry results.
What Ancestry are Vikings?-Are you interested in learning about the genetic roots of the Vikings? In this post, we'll discuss the ancestry of the Vikings.
Tips for Breaking Down Brick Walls in Genealogy-Do you feel like your ancestor must have just appeared out of nowhere? Here, learn some of the most effective strategies for breaking down "brick walls"
What is Genetic Distance on FTDNA?-Have you noticed that your Y-DNA and mtDNA matches on FTDNA are organized by genetic distance? Learn about genetic distance on FTDNA and how it's useful.
How to Write an Obituary for Genealogy-Do you want to know how to write an obituary genealogists will love? Want to know what to include and exactly how to write it? Learn more in this post!
How to Transfer Tree on Ancestry to GEDCOM-Do you want to know how to transfer your family tree from Ancestry to GEDCOM format? Here, you'll learn exactly how to do it, and why everyone should.
DNA Privacy and Law Enforcement: Should You Worry?-Have you heard that law enforcement catches criminals using genealogy combined with DNA? In this post, read more about DNA privacy and law enforcement.
DNA Tests Can Reveal Family Stories Aren’t True-Find out how DNA tests can reveal that family stories aren't true. Plus, learn how to examine your own DNA results to see how your family story stacks up.
How to Transfer Ancestry DNA to Gedmatch-Do you want to learn how to transfer Ancestry DNA to Gedmatch? It's free, easy, and the steps in this post will show you exactly how to do it.
Where is Your Shoebox on Ancestry?-Have you ever saved a record on Ancestry for later? Here, learn how to find your Shoebox on Ancestry, as well as how to save and delete records.
10 Posts You Missed from 2019-This is not a list of the most popular posts. Instead, it's a list of the ten blog DNA and genealogy posts that you probably missed during 2019.
Top 10 DNA Blog Posts of 2019 on Who Are You Made Of-Find out the top ten blog posts about DNA results for 2019 on this site. See which ones you haven't read, and check them out to discover what you can learn!
Gedmatch Tutorial for Beginners-Ready to learn how to use Gedmatch? It's easier than you think - let me help you. Read this helpful tutorial for beginners to get started today.
Is a Genetic Family Tree the Same as a Genealogical Family Tree?-Do you want to know whether a genetic family tree is the same as a genealogical family tree? In this post, you’ll learn why these two types of family trees are not the same. Plus, you’ll also find out whether or not all of your living relatives and ancestors are on your genetic tree. Misunderstandings …
Can You Use DNA and Family Tree Research Together?-Want to know if you can use DNA and family tree research together? Learn how to use DNA as a tool for genealogy and take your research to the next level.
What are Ancestor Projects on Gedmatch?-Wondering if there are groups of family historians all researching the same thing? Learn what the Gedmatch Ancestor Projects are and how they can help.
How to Read 23andMe DNA Results-Did you do a DNA test with 23andMe? In this post, learn all about how to read your 23andMe DNA results. You will also find out: What you can learn from your 23andMe results Whether your results are accurate How to find family trees on 23andMe How to print and download your results 23andMe offers …
Need a DNA Centimorgan Chart?-Are you looking for a DNA centimorgan chart? In this post, find the best one out there so far. I'll explain how to use and understand the chart, too!
What is a Second Cousin?-What is a second cousin? Our second cousins are actually closely related to us, even if we don't know all of them. Here, learn all about second cousins!
How Do DNA Matches Help Us Learn About Ancestors-Want to know how DNA matches can help us learn about our ancestors? How is it possible that living relatives can provide insights into distant ancestors?
What does Ethnicity Estimate Mean?-Have you heard of an ethnicity estimate? Got one in your DNA results? This post will help you understand what an ethnicity estimate means, and more!
What are Mitochondrial DNA Matches?-Want to know what mitochondrial DNA matches are? Here, learn the answer and how interpret your mitochrondrial DNA matches - plus what to do with matches.
How to Find DNA Matches on Ancestry-How to find your Ancestry DNA matches? If you already took an Ancestry DNA test, finding your matches is as easy as following these instructions.
How to Know Which Record Belongs to Your Ancestor-You've likely seen several documents with the same name as that of your ancestor. In this post, learn how to know which record belongs to your ancestor.
What is Basque DNA?-Got Basque on your DNA results? Are you interested in learning more about genetics of the Basque region? Here, we'll explore the origins of Basque DNA.
Will DNA Matches Be the Same for Siblings?-Want to know if DNA matches will be the same for siblings? If siblings have different DNA matches, what does it mean? Learn the answers to these questions!
How to Search for Members on Ancestry-Would it be helpful if there was there a way to search for an Ancestry member? With millions of Ancestry members, learn here how to find the right one.
What is Family Matching on Living DNA-Do you want to know what Family Matching on Living DNA is? In this post, I'll answer this question and help you explore your Living DNA match list.
Why is Cause of Death Important in Genealogy?-Do you want to know why cause of death is important in genealogy? Here, learn all of the reasons why figuring out the cause of death is worthwhile.
What is the Blue Dot on Ancestry DNA?-If you've seen your DNA matches on Ancestry, have you noticed a blue dot next to some of your matches? Here, learn what the blue dot is on Ancestry DNA.
How Common Are False DNA Matches?-Do you think you a false DNA match? Want to know how common false DNA matches are? Here, learn how commonly this occurs and how to spot false DNA matches.
What is a DNA Match?-Do you want to know what a DNA match is? In this post, learn the answer, how they get your DNA matches, and find out which DNA matching sites are the best.
Are There Ancestry DNA Matches in Other Countries?-Do you want to know if Ancestry DNA matches in other countries will show up on your results? Does Ancestry DNA work internationally? In this post, find the answer to these questions – and more! Finding relatives in other countries in one of the best aspects of DNA testing. I have found and communicated with …
How to Download 23andMe DNA Relatives-Want to know how to download 23andMe DNA relatives? In this post, I will show you how to download your whole list of DNA matches into a spreadsheet.
What Happens When a 23andMe Test Fails?-Do you want to know if its possible for a 23andMe test to fail, and what happens if it does? In this post, learn the answer to these questions - and more!
What is Indigenous Americas on Ancestry DNA?-In this post, you’ll learn what Indigenous Americas on Ancestry DNA is, as well as how you may have inherited this region. Plus, find out how to trace your indigenous ancestry. Whether you got 1%, 10% or 100% Indigenous Americas DNA on your Ancestry DNA results, you are in excellent company. There are more than …
All About the Ancestry Update October 2019-Did your Ancestry results change in October of 2019? I'll help you understand why and how your results changed. Plus, see an example of updated results.
How to Use the Gedmatch 3-D Chromosome Browser-Have you seen the Gedmatch 3-D Chromosome Browser? Want to learn how to use it? In this post, I'll walk you through how to use the browser step-by-step.
Which Gedmatch Admixture to Use-Do you want to know which Gedmatch Admixture to use? In this post, you will learn how to choose which admixture calculator will work best for your unique ancestry, as well as how to choose the calculator model. I highly recommend taking advantage of the Gedmatch Admixture tool. It’s a great way to get completely …
What is a Half-Identical DNA Segment?-Do you want to understand what a half-identical DNA segment is? In this post, you’ll learn more about half-identical regions, as well as what it means when you share this type of segment with a match. As a bonus, you’ll also learn the difference between a half-identical and fully-identical segment, and how to identify each. …
Best Family Tree Research Tips for Beginners-Are you brand-new to the exciting hobby of genealogy? If you have just recently decided to start learning about your ancestors, this list of family tree research tips for beginners will save you time and money. Plus, following these tips will help you learn even more about your family tree. What’s not to love? In …
Does DNA Get Washed Out Over Generations?-Does DNA get “washed out” over time? If it does, how does the process work? In this post, you will find the answers to these questions, plus: How many generations does DNA go back How much DNA you inherit from your ancestors Whether DNA can skip a generation On DNA discussion boards, I see the …
Does American Indian Ancestry Show Up on DNA Tests?-Will American Indian ancestry show up on a DNA test? In this post, find out if Native American DNA from your ancestors will show up on your DNA results.
How to Use the New 23andMe Family Tree Feature-The 23andMe Family Tree feature can help you visualize how you may be related to your DNA matches. In this post, learn how to use and understand this tool.
What does No Shared DNA Segments Found Mean?-Did you read NO shared DNA segments found when you compared your DNA with a relative on a chromosome browser? Read this to find out what it means!
How to Look Up Your Ancestors For Free-Do you want to know how to look up your ancestors for free? In this post, I’ll teach you ways to find information about your ancestors without having to pay a subscription. It seems like every online records website wants to charge a hefty monthly fee. While some of those sites can be worth the …
Will Ancestry DNA Show Relatives?-Do you want to know if Ancestry DNA will show relatives on your results? Find the answer, plus whether Ancestry can show siblings and how matching works.
How to Get Started in Genealogy-Want to know how to get started in genealogy? Here, how to start your family tree research, including where to find records and where to build your tree.
How to Use the Gedmatch One to One Tool-Want to know how to use the Gedmatch One to One comparison tool? It's a very useful tool and I'll teach you how to use it to understand more about your DNA.
What does the Police Badge on Gedmatch Mean?-Have you noticed an icon of a police bade on the same line of your name under your DNA resources? What does the Police Badge icon mean on Gedmatch?
What are Genealogy Records?-Want to know what genealogy records are? Learn the definition of genealogy records, as well as which are the best records to look for and where to find them
Are Ancestry ThruLines Accurate?-Do you want to learn more about ThruLines? In this post, learn whether Ancestry DNA ThruLines are accurate, and how to know whether yours are correct.
Who Should Do Ancestry DNA?-In this post, learn who should do an Ancestry DNA test, and which family members can help you learn something new about your family tree.
What is Tier 1 on Gedmatch?-Have you seen the Tier 1 tools on Gedmatch? Here, I'll explain what Tier 1 on Gedmatch is, and help you understand what you can learn from the Tier 1 tools.
How to Understand Living DNA Results-Want to understand all about your Living DNA Results? Here, I'll explain Living DNA Results to help you get the most from your DNA testing experience.
How to Understand Family Tree DNA Matches-Did you do a DNA test with or upload to Family Tree DNA? Learn how to understand all aspects of your family tree DNA match list, including shared cMs.
X DNA Matches on Gedmatch-What are X DNA matches on Gedmatch? What does total cM on an X match mean? In this post, I’ll answer these questions, as well as explain: The difference between X DNA and autosomal DNA matches on Gedmatch How to find X DNA matches on Gedmatch How to access detailed shared X DNA information on …
DNA Matches on Chromosome 15-Do you have DNA matches on Chromosome 15? Do you want to know if these matches are in a pile-up region? In this post, find out what you need to know about your DNA matches on Chromosome 15. Most people become curious about matches on Chromosome 15 because they have spent a lot of time …
Can DNA Matches Be False?-Are you wondering if DNA matches can be false? What is the probability that your DNA match is false? In this post, I’ll answer these questions – and more! Questions addressed in this article include: Can DNA matches be wrong? Are close DNA matches ever wrong? What are the odds that a DNA match is …
How to Turn Off DNA Matches on Ancestry-Do you want to know how to turn off DNA matches on Ancestry? Is it possible to hide your DNA results? In this post, you will learn the answer to these two questions, as well as: Reasons why people want to turn off DNA matching Step-by-step instructions for opting out of DNA matching on Ancestry …
What are Archaic DNA Matches on Gedmatch?-What are archaic DNA matches on Gedmatch? What does it mean to have ancient DNA matches? Can they be used for genealogy? Learn these answers, and more!
How to Find DNA Matches on Gedmatch-Want to know how to find DNA matches on Gedmatch? Gedmatch is a great place to find DNA matches who did their DNA tests with other testing companies.
What is the Timeline on the Ancestry DNA Story?-Have you seen your DNA Timeline on Ancestry DNA? It can help you better understand of your family's DNA ancestry. I'll teach you how to use it in this post.
What is the DNA Story on Ancestry DNA?-Want to learn more about your DNA Story on Ancestry DNA? Learn how each part of your DNA Story works together to help you learn about your family's origins.
What is a Third Cousin?-What is a third cousin? Want to see an example of third cousins? How many third cousins do you have? Find these answers and more in this post!
How Does DNA Show Your Ethnicity?-Want to know how DNA shows your ethnicity? Read to learn how they find your ethnicity estimate from your DNA, as well as more about ethnicity estimates.
What is a Fourth Cousin?-What is a fourth cousin? What is a half-fourth cousin? Are fourth cousins blood related? Learn all about fourth cousins here!
What is a Third Cousin Once-Removed?-If you are doing family tree research, you might stumble upon some unfamiliar terms. Cousins removed – what in the world? In this post, you will learn what a third cousin once-removed is, how many third cousins once-removed you might have, along with the best way to locate your third cousins. What is the definition …
How to Get Started With Gedmatch-Do you want to know how to to get started with Gedmatch? Read more to get the information you need to use amazing DNA tools on Gedmatch.
Can You Export a Family Tree From Ancestry?-Do you want to know if you can export a family tree from Ancestry? Want a step-by-step guide for how to do it? Learn how to download your Ancestry tree!
What to Say to DNA Matches-Are you wondering what to say to DNA matches? Learn different ways to approach your DNA matches and what you might say depending on your unique circumstances.
Ancestry DNA Matches with No Trees?-Frustrated because you have lots of Ancestry DNA matches with no trees? I'll show you what to do to learn about your DNA match with no tree. Read more!
What Can You Learn From Ancestry DNA ThruLines?-Have you seen the Ancestry DNA ThruLines feature? It the most powerful family research tools available. In this post, I'll explain what you can learn from it
DNA Match But No Shared Matches?-It is very possible, and actually quite common, to have many DNA matches with whom you share no DNA match in common. Here, find out how this happens - and more.
Luke Skywalker’s DNA Match Analysis-Which Star Wars people would show up on Luke Skywalker's DNA match list? Would he be a match to Owen and Beru Lars? What about DNA shared with Darth Vader?
How to do a Cultural Heritage Interview-Ever wondered how to do a cultural heritage interview? Want to know cultural heritage interview questions that you could ask your relatives who immigrated?
DNA Testing To-Do List-Are you considering DNA testing for ancestry? In this post, I lay out an organized to-do list that will take you through the process from choosing your test to understanding your DNA results. Taking a genetic DNA test is one of the most exciting, informative, and powerful things you can do to learn about your …
What is a Haplogroup?-Want to know what a haplogroup is? Wondering why a haplogroup is important, and how knowing your haplogroups can help you learn about your family? Read now!
What To Do After You Get Your DNA Results-Did you just get your DNA results back? What should you do now? In this post, learn the first things you should do after you get your DNA results.
When DNA Results are a Huge Surprise-Did you get a huge surprise in your DNA results? Learn about common surprises that are revealed by DNA tests and how to handle surprise DNA situations.
How to Download 23andMe Raw DNA Data-It's easy to download your 23andMe data, and in this post, I'll teach you how to do it. Plus, learn what you can do with your raw 23andMe data.
Is There Sexism in Genealogy Research?-Struggling with finding out about your female ancestors? Do you focus on certain lines of your family tree? Have you noticed sexism in genealogy research?
How to Use 23andMe for Genealogy-Your 23andMe results can be very useful for genealogical research. I'll teach you how to use your 23andMe results to build, or expand, your family tree.
How to Filter and Sort My Heritage DNA Matches-Have you done a DNA test with or uploaded to My Heritage? In this post, I'll teach you how to filter and sort your My Heritage to learn the most!
Options for Tracing Ancestry With DNA-If you are searching for living relatives, or are want to learn about the ancient origins of your surname, DNA can help. Use your DNA to trace your ancestry!
Ancestry DNA vs 23andMe? Find out which test you should take-Do you have Ancestry DNA vs 23andMe on your mind? In this post, find out which DNA test you should take. These two tests offer something slightly different, and I’ll help you figure out which one is best for you. If you are thinking about taking a DNA test and already know that you should …
Is 1% of an Ethnicity Region Always Just Noise?-Did you get 1% of an unexpected region in your DNA results? Maybe your ethnicity estimate shows 1% Irish, 1% European Jewish, 1% Bantu, or 1% North African DNA. You might be tempted to brush off these “trace” amounts of DNA from a particular region as statistical noise, but should you? In this post, I …
Are You Confused About Germanic Europe DNA?-Were you surprised about Germanic Europe DNA in your results? Learn about this DNA region, including whether German is the same as Germanic, and more!
What are ThruLines™ on Ancestry DNA?-Along with an updated DNA match list, Ancestry DNA now features ThruLines. ThruLines is a tool to learn more about your family tree from your DNA matches.
How to Use 23andMe Like an Expert-I want to make sure that you are getting the most from your 23andMe results. Learn all you can do with your results so you can use 23andMe like an expert.
Can Your Genealogy Hobby Make You Money?-Do you want to know if you can earn money building family trees? Want to turn your genealogy hobby into a business? Learn more about it in this post!
What Does “DNA Verified” Mean on Ancestry?-What does "DNA Verified" mean on someone's tree? Why do people use this? Where to get this graphic? I answer all this, and more.
Free Family Tree Builder Download!-Find out how to get free download of the Family Tree Builder software from My Heritage. Plus, learn about some of the coolest features of the software.
23andMe Tutorial for Beginners – Ancestry Test Results-If you have just gotten your 23andMe DNA results back and you are trying to figure out how to understand your results, you have come to the right place. In this post, I will explain each aspect of your 23andMe ancestry results in order to help you get the most from your DNA test. 23andMe …
What is the France DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-Did you get the France DNA ethnicity on Ancestry? If you live in the U.S., you can count yourself as one of the more than 10.4 million Americans who have known French ancestry. In this post, I’ll explain more about this DNA ethnicity, including: Where the France DNA ethnicity is located How France got its …
Can You Verify Your Family Tree With DNA Testing?-Have you ever wondered if there is some way to know whether your family tree is accurate? Perhaps you’ve heard that DNA testing can help you determine whether what you know about your family history is true. As it turns out, taking a DNA test is an excellent way to verify the accuracy of your …
Gedmatch Genesis Frequently Asked Questions-Got questions? I answer the most common questions about Gedmath Genesis, and understanding the DNA analysis tools available on the site. Check it out!
What Can You Learn From 23andMe Results-Are you wondering what you can learn from 23andMe results? The answer is SO MUCH. Whether you are interested in your distant ancestry, are searching for a living relative, or want to know where your recent ancestors likely lived, the 23andMe ancestry test has got you covered. To write this post, I decided to make …
Example of My Heritage DNA Results-If you want to learn more about My Heritage DNA tests and see an example of My Heritage DNA results, then you have come to the right place. I’ve been using My Heritage DNA for a couple of years now, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you. In this post, I’ll show …
How to Get an Ethnicity Estimate-Wondering how to get an ethnicity estimate test? Perhaps you've seen DNA results from others and you'd like to get them for yourself. Learn more here!
Five Mistakes People Make With Their DNA Match Lists-Did you know that your DNA match list is the most useful aspect of your DNA results? Since our DNA match lists are an incredible source of information, it’s important to ensure we aren’t making the following mistakes. Are you jumping to conclusions about your DNA match list? Do any of these statements sound like …
Sister Shows Up as Cousin on DNA Results-If you are reading this post, you probably have a sister who shows up as a cousin, instead of as a sibling, on your DNA match list. Alternatively, you are just curious about how this might occur. What does this mean? Is there any way to tell if you and your DNA match are full …
What is the Native American—North, Central, South DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-If you got your DNA results and saw that you have Native American DNA from the North, Central, South region on Ancestry, you are among the hundreds of millions of people who can trace their ancestry back to the indigenous peoples of North and South America. This is an amazing legacy. In this post, I …
What is the Philippines DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-Did you get your Ancestry DNA results and discover that you have DNA that matches the Philippines DNA region on Ancestry? If so, you can count yourself among the more than ten million people with Filipino ancestry living around the world. In this post, you’ll learn: Where the Philippines DNA ethnicity region is located Why …
What is the Sweden DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-Did you get the Sweden DNA region on Ancestry? More than 4.5 million people in Canada and the United States have known Swedish roots, and even more have Swedish ancestry that they are just beginning to discover. In this post, I’ll discuss the most common questions related to the Swedish DNA region on Ancestry. Where …
Is the 23andMe Ancestry Composition Accurate?-In this post, I’ll tell you everything that you need to know about how to understand the accuracy of 23andMe Ancestry Composition reports. Plus, you’ll learn a little about how ethnicity or ancestry is inherited, and whether or not you can really expect your estimate to match your family tree. If you wonder if the …
How to Use the 23andMe Chromosome Browser-Are you wondering if 23andMe has a chromosome browser? Do you want to learn how to use it? If you are curious about how you can get more from your 23andMe results and compare your DNA with your matches at a chromosome level, you have come to the right place! In this post, I’ll teach …
What to Do if You Get a Surprise DNA Match?-If you check your DNA matches and you find someone unexpected, what should you do? Should you contact them? Should you hide? Should you tell your family members? In this post, I’ll give you some suggestions as to the first things that you should do if you get a surprise DNA match. This post primarily …
What is Family Tree Forensics?-Have you heard the mention of family tree forensics in the news? Are you curious about the process used to use DNA and family tree information to track down criminals? You have come to the right place to get answers to your questions about how law enforcement is able to use family tree information and …
Beginner’s Guide to Building a Family Tree-Have you decided to build a family tree? Genealogy is such a fun adventure, and I’m so glad that you have made the first step to getting started: deciding that you want to build a family tree. You’ve come to the right place for learning how to build a family tree! In this post, you’ll …
Ancestry DNA Beginner’s Tutorial-This beginning tutorial for Ancestry DNA results will help you understand the basics and get the most from your DNA, including DNA matches and DNA story.
Is My Heritage DNA Accurate?-Do you want to know more about My Heritage ethnicity estimate and DNA matches? In this post, find out whether your My Heritage DNA Results are accurate!
How Do You Know if Your DNA Doesn’t Match One of Your Parents-If you have done a DNA test and checked through your results, you might be wondering if there is a way to figure out whether your DNA matches the families both of your parents. If your parents aren’t available for, or aren’t interested in, a DNA test, is there a way to tell for sure …
Reasons Why You Should Build a Family Tree-Why should you build a family tree? In this post, I’ll give you my top reasons for building a family tree. I hope you are inspired to starting working on yours right away! What’s this I hear? You haven’t started building a family tree! You are worried that it’s too hard? A boring activity for …
What Do You Get With a 23andMe Ancestry Test?-Are you curious about what you get with a 23andMe Ancestry test? I’ve got you covered. Whether you are on the fence about which test to get (or whether to get a test at all), or you are waiting for your results, this post will help you understand more about the type of information you …
Cameroon, Congo and Southern Bantu Peoples on Ancestry DNA-Did you get Cameroon, Congo and Southern Bantu Peoples in your Ancestry DNA results? If so, you can count yourself in excellent company. Millions of people with African roots living in North and South America will find a genetic heritage in the Cameroon, Congo, and Southern Bantu DNA region. In this post, you’ll learn: Where …
What Can You Learn From Gene Heritage?-Have you heard of Gene Heritage yet? If so, you might have wondered what you can learn from their DNA reports. In this post, I will discuss my favorite things you can learn about your DNA through Gene Heritage using examples from my own reports. Gene Heritage does not do DNA tests, and the services …
What is An Ethnicity Estimate?-What is an ethnicity estimate? How do they get your ethnicity estimate? Is it accurate? How is ethnicity passed down? Learn this, and more!
What is a Half-Cousin?-What is a half-cousin? A half-first cousin? You've come to the right place to find all types of half-cousins explained, as well as a half-cousin chart.
What is the Norway DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry-Did you get the Norway DNA ethnicity in your Ancestry DNA results? If you did, you are likely among the more than five million people living in North America that are part of the Norwegian diaspora. Whether or not you were expecting to find Norway in your DNA results, or it came as a surprise, …
Strategies for Finding Biological Grandparent Using DNA-Are you interested in learning how to use your DNA to find out the identity of your biological grandparents? No matter how old you are, or whether or not you believe your grandparents to be living, it’s possible to use your DNA results to determine who they were. If you are interested in family tree …
You’ve Tested With Ancestry DNA – Is There a Benefit in Testing With 23 and Me?-I’m really excited because today I just got the 23 and Me kits in the mail that I ordered for my parents. This is a really big deal for me because I have been wanted them to do tests for a really long time, and we are finally doing it! Both of my parents have …
How to Use the FTDNA Chromosome Browser-Have you ever wondered what the Family Tree DNA Chromosome Browser is and how it can help you? In this post, I will explain how to use this very cool tool, and what type of helpful information you can learn, and how it can be useful for your family tree research. FTDNA has recently released …
What Can We Learn From Our Ethnicity Estimates?-Ethnicity estimates are easy to print out, summarize, and share with family or on social media – what’s not to love about them? We know they are popular and sought after, but what can we learn from our ethnicity estimates? One of the most popular aspects of DNA testing is the ethnicity estimate, which is …
How to Understand Gedmatch X One-to-One Results-Have you just started experimenting with the Gedmatch X One-to-One tool? The results can sometimes be confusing! What does it mean to share X DNA with someone, and what does it mean when you don’t? In this post, I’ll help you understand your Gedmatch X One-to-One Results so you can add a full understanding of …
Got Questions About the X Chromosome?-Are you curious about the X chromosome? Maybe you are wondering if learning about your X DNA matches could help you learn more about your family history or how some of your DNA matches might be related to you. In this post, I’ll discuss some common questions related to the X chromosome and genealogy, including: …
How Far Back Can You Go With Genealogy?-If you’ve been into genealogy or genetic genealogy for a while, you’ve probably heard someone say that they have traced their ancestry back to William the Conqueror (d. 1087), Julius Caesar (d. 44 BC), or even Adam and Eve. While it can be easy to poke fun at these people, it can lead us to …
How Can DNA Matches Help Build a Family Tree?-You’ve heard all of the experts say that the best way to build a family tree is by using your DNA matches, but how, exactly, is it done? In this post, I’ll explain exactly how your DNA matches can help you build your family tree. While ethnicity estimates are fun and can occasionally reveal something …
Is a DNA Test a Good Gift?-If you are considering giving a DNA test as a gift for a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion, but are wondering if it is a good idea, you aren’t alone. In this post, I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of giving a DNA test as a gift, as well as give you …
Want to Connect With Your Ancestors? Eat Something.-What better what to feel a connection with your ancestors than through a beautiful homage to their culture in the form of food? Plus, it’s a great way to help family members, especially kids, become interested in their family tree and their heritage. If we are being honest, family tree research can be dry and …
Is Your DNA Match a First Cousin or a Half-Sibling?-Got a DNA match that shows up in the first cousin category? Are you wondering how to figure out if this match is a first cousin or a half-sibling? Read me!
Total Centimorgans Shared vs. Shared DNA Segments-If you have been examining your DNA match list, you might have noticed that there are a few different details related to the amount of shared DNA that you have with any particular match. What is the difference between total centimorgans and the number of DNA segments that you and your match share? Which bit …
Beginner’s Guide to DNA Testing: Ultimate Testing Strategy-Do you want to know how to get started with DNA testing? There is a lot of conflicting information online about which company is best and how to go about doing a DNA test for ancestry, so if you are hesitating, it is understandable. In this post, I’m going to share with my ultimate strategy …
DNA Testing FAQs – Commonly Asked Questions About DNA Testing for Ancestry-Are you brand-new to the idea of DNA testing? Do you have questions about which test to take and what to expect from your test results? In this post, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about DNA testing for ancestry. Which DNA test should I take While there are a few different types …
Should a Male or Female Sibling Take a DNA Test-If you are interested in DNA testing, and you are a female with male siblings, or a male with female siblings, you might be wondering which one of you should be the one to take a DNA test. Does it make any difference? Will your results be the same? If you are full siblings, don’t …
What is a Quick and Dirty Family Tree?-In this post, I’ll explain to you what a quick and dirty family tree is, and how to use the tree to figure out how your DNA matches are related to you. Have you heard someone mention a “quick and dirty” family tree? Are you wondering how building a quick and dirty family tree can …
What Does No Shared X DNA Segments Found Mean?-Have you used the X DNA Comparison tool on Gedmatch? If so, you’ve probably received a message saying, “No shared X DNA segments found”. In this post, I’ll explain a little bit about X DNA and also help you understand what that message really means. Generally speaking, I don’t talk about advanced topics on this …
Sometimes, Family Stories are True. Listen to as Many as You Can.-There is so much written out there about how many times family stories aren’t true. Especially with the advent of DNA testing, it’s easier than ever to prove or disprove long-held family beliefs. I had an interesting experience recently, however, that I would like to share. There is value to talking with older relatives and …
Two of My Cousins Don’t Match Each Other – Help!-Do you have two relatives who are DNA matches to you, but not to each other? Are you wondering what this really means, and whether or not it could mean a mistake? In this post, I’ll explain to you when you should expect relatives to match each other, and when it’s normal for two people …
Why Use Gedmatch-Have you heard of Gedmatch? If you have, you might wonder why you should upload your DNA to the site to use the available tools. In other words, why should you use Gedmatch? In this post, I will outline the top ten reasons that people use Gedmatch. I enjoy using the site, and I feel …
Are You Confused About Your Updated Ancestry DNA Results?-As you might know, Ancestry periodically updates their customers ethnicity estimates. Every single Ancestry DNA customer can log in to their account and see a completely updated estimate based on the latest technology and scientific developments. I often hear from my readers that these newly updated ethnicity estimates are confusing. So, if you are confused …
What is the Best DNA Test for Native American Ancestry?-Are you interested in learning which DNA company is the best for detecting Native American ancestry? With all of the DNA news of late, it’s no wonder that this has become a popular topic. In this post, I’ll tell you which two companies offer the best test for finding Native American roots – and I’ll …
Elizabeth Warren’s Native American DNA Results: Analysis and Discussion-Have you heard the news? Elizabeth Warren had her DNA examined by an expert, and guess what? Senator Warren does, in fact, have Native American DNA. It has been, and likely will continue to be, a contentious subject among both her followers and supporters. In this post, I’ll explain her results and talk about how …
How to Understand People Who Match One-or Both of Two Kits Results-If you have been using Gedmatch for a while, there is a good chance that you have seen the “People Who Match One-or-Both of Two Kits” tool. At first glance, the results of this tool can be confusing, and in this post, I’ll explain how to use the tool and how to understand the results. …
How to Upload to Living DNA-Do you want to learn how to upload your DNA file to Living DNA? By uploading to Living DNA, you can get more DNA matches. In this post, I’ll show you how to upload your DNA to the site so that way you can get access to all of the information Living DNA has to …
Top Gedmatch Tips for Beginners-If you have uploaded your DNA to Gedmatch, you might feel overwhelmed and confused with all of the different tools available. Gedmatch is an amazing website, and you will be able to use it with a little bit of practice. In this post, I’ll give you some beginner tips for getting started on Gedmatch. Start …
Use Ancestry DNA Like an Expert-If you already did your DNA with Ancestry, you have probably already explored through the basics of your DNA results. You’ve seen your ethnicity estimate and your DNA matches, but do you want to use Ancestry DNA like an expert? In this post, I’ll explain the top tips to learn as much as possible from …
What is the Baltic States Ethnicity on Ancestry DNA ?-Did you find the Baltic State ethnicity region in your Ancestry DNA results? Were you surprised, or were you expecting it? In this post, I’ll discuss the location of this ethnicity region, how you might have inherited this particular ethnicity region, and how to get started tracing your Baltic States ancestors. From a personal standpoint, …
How is Your DNA Match Related? Here’s a Checklist-Are you stuck trying to figure out how you are related to your DNA match? Maybe your DNA match has no posted family tree, and you just can’t see any way that you can figure out your connection without more information. In this post, you’ll find a checklist with the best ways to find the …
What is the Eastern Europe and Russia DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-Did you get the Eastern Europe and Russia DNA ethnicity in your ethnicity results? If you did, you are among almost 20 million Americans who can trace their ancestry back to Eastern Europe or Russia. The Eastern Europe and Russia DNA region is a fascinating region made up of more than twenty countries and spanning …
Ancestry DNA 2018 Update: Before and After Comparisons-Have you been examining your Ancestry DNA results since they went through the major 2018 update? You are not alone! Many people find themselves confused, frustrated, excited, or even sad and angry about the major changes their results have undergone. To some people, their ethnicity estimate is confirmation of their identity – especially when it …
How to Explore Your Updated Ancestry DNA Results-Have you checked your Ancestry DNA results lately? If you have, you might have noticed that they have gone through a very big change. In this post, I will help you learn how to explore your newly updated Ancestry DNA results. The 2018 Ancestry DNA update offers us a more nuanced insight into our ancestry, …
Upload to My Heritage before December – Urgent!-Have you uploaded your DNA to My Heritage? My Heritage DNA has a lot to offer those of us who have already done DNA tests, including amazing DNA matches, a chromosome browser, and ethnicity estimates that could provide you with additional information about your ancestry. In this post, I’ll tell you why you should upload …
What Happened to My Iberian Peninsula DNA?-Did your Iberian Peninsula DNA region completely disappear from your ethnicity estimate after the Ancestry DNA September 2018 update? If this happened to you, you are not alone. In this post, I’ll explain a little bit about why Iberian Peninsula might have been removed from your list, and what it may have been replaced with. …
Ancestry DNA Update 2018: Ethnicity Estimate Changes-The moment that we have all been waiting for has finally arrived! Ancestry DNA has officially rolled out the biggest update to its ethnicity estimates since the company began offering DNA testing. In this post, I’ll share details about the update as well as discuss how the latest Ancestry DNA update can help us learn …
How Does Filipino Show Up on a DNA Test?-Do you have Filipino ancestry? Are you thinking about taking a DNA test like the one offered by Ancestry DNA? If so, you might be wondering how Filipino would show up on a DNA test. In this post, I’ll explain what someone born in the Philippines or someone with Filipino roots could expect to see …
Are Small DNA Segments Always False Positives (IBS)?-When you are doing genetic genealogy, the common advice is to ignore small segments because they are almost always identical-by-state (IBS), or false positives. They key phrase is “almost always”, and in this post, we’ll explore segments smaller than 10 centimorgans (cMs). You will learn: The probability that a small segment is a false positive, …
Ancestors With Unusual Names: Weird, Cool, or Historical?-Anyone who spends much time researching their family tree will eventually stumble upon given (first) names that cause them to pause and wonder why this person was given this name. In this post, I’ll tell you some examples of some “crazy” names in my own family tree, and explain how our ancestors first names can …
How Much DNA Do Second Cousins Share?-Do you want to know how much DNA second cousins should share? What about half-second cousins? In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about shared DNA between second cousins, including whether it is possible for second cousins to share no DNA. If you have second cousins on your DNA match list, …
Do You Look Like Your Ancestors? Find Out!-Do you want an easy way to find out if you look like your ancestors? Let Family Search’s new tool do the work for you. In this post, I’ll teach you how it works. I have spent way too much time lately uploading my family photographs to Family Search’s new “Compare a Face” tool to …
How to See Match’s Ethnicity on My Heritage-Are you curious about the ethnicity of your My Heritage DNA match? In this post, I’ll explain how your DNA match’s ethnicity can help you figure out how you might be related, how to access this information on My Heritage, and how to sort your matches by ethnicity. I’ve really enjoyed my My Heritage DNA …
How Many Ancestors Do You Have?-Are you wondering how many ancestors you have? There are many reasons you might want to learn this information, and in this post, I’ll teach you how to figure out how many ancestors you have – with a slight catch. If you really want to know how many ancestors you have, you have to learn …
Confirmation Bias in Genetic Genealogy: Beware!-If many people have the same wrong person in your tree, and are DNA-matched, this could be confirmation bias in genetic genealogy. Learn how to avoid this!
Use DNA and Genealogy to Trace Swedish Immigrant Ancestors-Do you have Swedish ancestry? If you do, you might be interested in learning more about your Swedish immigrant ancestors, why they came to America, how to research your Swedish roots, and whether or not a DNA test can help you. If this sounds like you, this post will help you. Why did Swedish immigrants …
How to Access Your Match’s Ethnicity on Family Tree DNA-The Family Tree DNA Family Finder DNA match list has more to offer than meets the eye. Many people don’t realize that you can access your DNA match’s ethnicity, and in this post, I’ll explain how to do it and how this might help you figure out how you are related to your DNA match. …
What is a Chromosome Browser?-Are you read to learn about chromosome browsers? You’ve arrived at this post, and you are ready to learn all about how a chromosome browser can help you really understand your DNA matches, get the most from your DNA results, and do some really accurate family tree research. Before we get started learning all about …
What is the Senegal DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry?-Did you get the Senegal DNA ethnicity on your Ancestry DNA results? If you are like most people, you are curious about the Senegal DNA ethnicity and want to learn more about how you might have inherited it, and you have come to the right place. In this post, you’ll learn: Where the Senegal DNA …
FTDNA Family Finder DNA Matches: What you NEED to Know-If you did your DNA test with Family Tree DNA, you might have some questions about your DNA match list. We all want to figure out how our DNA matches are related to us and there is a lot of information that, when interpreted correctly, can help us do just that. In this post, you’ll …
A Book About DNA and Genealogy?-Are you looking for a book about DNA and genealogy for absolute beginners? If so, did you do your DNA test with Ancestry DNA? My book, Your DNA Mystery: Solved, was written for beginners in genetic genealogy – people who want to learn more from their DNA results, just like you. It’s only available in …
Could a DNA Test Tell Us if Elizabeth Warren is Native American?-Have you heard all the fuss about Elizabeth Warren claiming to have Native American ancestry? Many of her defenders and detractors have suggested – even demanded – that she take a DNA test, but she has refused. Whether or not you agree with her politics or not, she’s made the right decision by refusing to …
How to Help a DNA Match Who is Adopted-If you have been contacted by a DNA match who is adopted, or you’ve reached out to a match and discovered they are adopted, and you’d like to help them, this post is for you. It’s wonderful that you want to be a good DNA cousin and family member to your newly discovered relation! In …
Dad and Sibling Share DNA Match Who Doesn’t Match Me!-If you have found that your parent and sibling have a DNA match that doesn’t match you, are you wondering how this could be? In this post, I’ll explain how it can be possible that your dad (or mom!) and sibling can have a DNA match that you don’t have. Here’s a hint: It doesn’t …
How to Compare Your DNA with Ancient DNA Samples-Curious if your DNA matches ancient remains in Siberia or Hungary? In this post, I'll tell you how you can compare your DNA to Ancient DNA Samples.
Are You German-American? Learn About Your German Immigrant Ancestors-Are you one of the more than 44 million Americans with German ancestry? The number of German-Americans living in the United States totals up to about one-third of the total population of Germans in the world. The result of this is millions of Americans interested in exploring their German roots. In this post, I’ll explain …
How Much DNA Should You Share With a Great-Grand Uncle or Aunt?-Whether you are curious about whether you and your great-great aunt or uncle share the expected amount of DNA, or you are wondering if your mystery DNA match could fit into the great-great uncle category, you have come to the right place. In this post, we’ll discuss how much DNA someone might share with a …
Europe West DNA Outside of Europe?-In this post, I’ll discuss the most common places where Europe West DNA might be found – both inside and outside of Europe, and how you can use this information to better understand your Europe West DNA results. Of course you know that you can find Europe West DNA in Europe, but did you know …
Triangulation of DNA Segments: Frequently Asked Questions-In this post, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about triangulation. Triangulation is a really great strategy for getting the most from your DNA results. Maybe you’ve already heard of triangulation, but you don’t know how to do it, or what it really means. No matter what you already know …
Can Your Ethnicity Estimate Prove Paternity?-Can you use your ethnicity estimate to prove paternity? In this post, I’ll explain why your ethnicity estimate doesn’t tell you much about who your parents are, and which information from your DNA results is most useful for this purpose. Once you’ve checked over your ethnicity estimate, you might find yourself comparing your results to …
British/Irish roots? DNA Testing Opportunity with Living DNA and Find My Past Partnership!-If you have British or Irish roots, you will be excited to learn that there is a new DNA testing and family research partnership between Living DNA and Find My Past. Living DNA, a UK-based company, has been involved in DNA testing and research for about fourteen years. By partnering with Find My Past, they …
5 Most Important Things You Can Learn About Your Ancestor-What are the most important things you can learn about your ancestor? How can this information help you build your family tree? In this post, I’ll share with you the top five things that I recommend learning about each of your ancestors. When I first began working on my family tree, I found myself obsessed …
Is it Okay for Children to Take DNA Tests?-Is it okay for children to take DNA tests? Learn the ethical concerns about kids testing DNA to learn about their ancestry or genealogy.
Top 2018 WAYMO Blog Posts: Have You Read Them Yet?-Do you want to know what everyone else is reading on the Who Are You Made of Blog? If you first ended up at my website through a Google search, there is a good chance that you might have been searching for one of the post topics below, and ended up staying because of another …
Surprise Discoveries on the US Federal Census-What’s the craziest thing you have ever seen on an old census record? US Federal Census records are filled with seemingly dry, boring entries documenting family size, head of household, and employment statistics for people living all over the country. If you look closely (and sometimes read between the lines) you might find something hilarious, …
How to Paint a New Match on DNA Painter-Want to know how to use DNA matches to map your chromosomes? It's easier than you think! I'll teach you how to paint a new match on DNA Painter.
DNA Painter: Creating and Managing Profiles-This post is a short tutorial that will explain the purpose of profiles on DNA Painter, how to create a new one, and why you should create a new profile for each family member whose DNA you manage. Painting chromosomes, or chromosome mapping is fun and easy, once you get the hang of it, but …
How DNA Painter Can Help You Determine Relationship to a Match-Stuck on a DNA match? Can’t figure out how you are related, even though you both have great trees? A useful strategy called chromosome painting is made easy with a free tool called “DNA Painter”. In this post, you’ll learn how you can use DNA Painter to find out exactly which line of your family …
Baptismal Records: Breaking Brick Walls-Piecing together our ancestor’s lives can be a difficult, time-consuming, and difficult task, especially if we have encountered a “brick wall”, or can’t seem to locate any further details about a particular person. As some of you may know, I have a brick wall in my own tree, and in this post, I will explain …
How Do Identical Twins Show up On DNA Results-Are you wondering how identical twins would match each other on an autosomal DNA test? Maybe you wonder whether their offspring will match each other at typical first cousin levels? If you have identical twins in your family, or wonder if you do, this post will help you know what to look for as far …
Did Your Ancestors Pass Through Ellis Island?-If you live in the United States, there is a good chance that you have ancestors who were born somewhere else. Our country is made up of a glorious, complicated, beautiful mix of people from all over the world, and many of these folks have ancestors who passed through Ellis Island on their way towards …
How to Find Out if You Have Basque DNA-Whether or not you know for sure that you have Basque ancestry, you might wonder if there is a way to prove it using DNA. In this post, you’ll learn how to find out whether you have Basque DNA. Speakers of Europe’s oldest surviving language, the Basque people are the subject of much curiosity. Does …
Can Ancestry DNA Help Find Birth Parents?-When an adoptee decides that they would like to begin searching for their birth family, many people will chime in with advice. A common bit of wisdom is to “take a DNA test”, but is this good advice? In this post, I’ll discuss whether Ancestry DNA can help someone find their birth parents, exactly how …
10 Reasons Why Your DNA Match Doesn’t Have a Tree-There are many reasons why a match might not have a family tree on their account, and I’ll tell you ten of the most common ones in this post. Are you frustrated looking at the number of DNA matches on your list that have no tree? It is so much easier to figure out how …
10 Top Genetic Genealogy Blogs-There are so many really great genetic genealogy blogs out there, and we all have limited time to scroll through to look for stuff that it really going to help us. In this post, I’ll tell you about my favorite genetic genealogy blogs – just a few sentences about what makes them great and different …
How to Figure Out How a Second Cousin DNA Match is Related-Do you have a new second DNA match that is a mystery to you? In this post, I’ll teach you some strategies that you can use to help you determine how your second cousin DNA match is related to you, even if they don’t have a posted family tree on their profile. In order to …
What is a DNA Test for Lineage?-What is a DNA test for lineage? How does it work? What can a DNA test tell you, exactly? In this post, I’ll answer all of these questions and more. If you are anything like most people, you probably have lots of friends who have tried doing a DNA test to learn about their heritage. …
Which DNA Test Should You Take?-Are you trying to decide which DNA test you should take? There are several big DNA testing companies and while they all offer a similar service, each company does have something special to offer. In this post, I’ll talk about the major advantages of testing with each company – this will help you decide which …
Where Did “British Blood” Come From?-If you have British ancestry, you might be wondering where “British blood” comes from. Is it Celtic? Germanic? Scandinavian? In this post, we’ll discuss some of the latest research on the genetic history of Britain, which will give you a better idea of where your British ancestors might have come from. Who are the British …
Cons of an Ancestry DNA Test?-Are you wondering if there are any downsides to the Ancestry DNA test? In this post, I’ll talk about some of the cons of an Ancestry DNA test – including whether or not those mysterious ethnicity estimates are as accurate as we would hope they could be. There were definitely some aspects of our testing …
Review of Family Tree DNA Family Finder Test-Are you interested in learning more about the Family Tree DNA Family Finder test? There are so many DNA testing companies out there, and it can be tough to decide which one to start with. In this post, you’ll find a review of the Family Tree DNA Family Finder test, which will help you make …
A Complete Review of Ancestry DNA-Are you trying to decide if you would like to do a DNA test with Ancestry? Here, find an honest, complete review of Ancestry DNA's testing service.
What are the Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing for Ancestry?-Are you on the fence about DNA testing? Are you wondering whether doing an autosomal DNA test for genetic ancestry is going to help you learn more about your family? Is the science reliable? Is your data secure? In this post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of DNA testing for ancestry and help you …
What is the Ancestry Personal Discoveries Project?-Do you see a new feature called “Ancestry Personal Discoveries Project” on your Ancestry DNA results summary page? In this post, you’ll learn a little bit about the types of questions they ask in this project and how it might benefit you to answer them. I first noticed that they had added this feature to …
What is the Mali DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry-Do you have Mali in your ancestry DNA results? Are you wondering how you inherited this DNA ethnicity and which countries your ancestors might have come from? You have come to the right place. In this post, I’ll answer these questions, as well give you some strategies for tracing your Mali ancestry. I decided to …
Are You Confused by a DNA Match?-Are you confused by a DNA match? We all have that one match – trust me. Each time we log in to our results, we can’t help but see the match and remember that we haven’t been about to figure out how they are related to us. In this post, I’ll go over some tips …
How do Half-Siblings Show Up on Ancestry DNA?-Want to know how half-siblings show up on Ancestry DNA? I'll show you how to find out if your match is a half-sibling and so much more! Read more now!
Native American DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry: What Does it Mean?-If you have the Native American DNA ethnicity in your results, you probably want to learn more about it. In this post, you will learn why you have Native American DNA even if you weren’t expecting it, as well as: Where the Native American DNA ethnicity is located, including countries where it is found What …
How to Analyze Your Results: DNA Matches-You got your DNA results back, and you’ve taken a look through your DNA matches. Maybe you recognize some of the names from the top matches, and everything seems to make sense. There is more to see, however. In this post, I’ll teach you how to analyze your DNA results using your DNA match list. …
How to Analyze Your DNA Results: Focus on Ethnicity Estimate-If you got your DNA results back a while ago, you have probably already checked over your ethnicity estimate. You may have even looked through your first page or so of DNA matches, and everything seems in order. Everyone says that there is so much to learn from your DNA, but how do you really …
What surprised you most about your DNA test results?-Most people aren’t really expecting surprises when they do a DNA test, but almost everyone gets at least a small surprise – if they look hard enough at their results. Some people find out that they have different biological parents than they thought they did, others discover new close relatives, and others find out that …
Does a Long DNA Segment Always Mean a Recent Ancestor?-When you are examining a DNA match, one of the best indicators of how far back your common ancestor might be is the size of your shared DNA segments. Generally, the common wisdom is that the longer the segment, the closer the relationship between you and your DNA match. In other words, the longer the …
How Many DNA Segments Do Siblings Share?-If you are exploring your DNA results and find a new sibling, or are wondering if you and your known siblings share the expected amount of DNA, you have come to the right place. In this post, I’ll tell you what you need to know about the number of shared DNA segments between siblings. How …
Finland/Northwest Russia on Ancestry DNA: Ethnicity Explained-Did you find out that you have Finland/Northwest Russian in your Ancestry DNA results? Are you wondering whether this means you have a recent ancestor from the area? You have come to the right place. In this post, you’ll learn: Where the Finland/Northwest Russia DNA region is located Which countries have the Finland/Northwest Russia DNA …
What is DNA Painter?-DNA Painter is a very easy-to-use website where you can use “chromosome painting” to visualize exactly which DNA segments on each chromosome can be attributed to your specific ancestors. Once you have a good understanding of where all of your ancestors lie on your chromosomes, you can then use this information to easily determine how …
Build a Family Tree for Your DNA Match to Figure Out Your Connection-I know that this sounds like a crazy idea. You have enough work on your hands trying to build your own family tree, so why should you spend any time at all trying to find other people’s ancestors? Believe it or not, this is a very useful strategy for family tree research, even though it …
What is a double fourth cousin? How much DNA do they share?-What is a double-fourth cousin, and how are they related? Do double-fourth cousins share more DNA with each other than they would otherwise? In this post, I’ll explain the meaning of a double-fourth cousin, show you an example of my own double-fourth cousin, and talk about how this “double” relationship affects the amount of DNA …
I Purchased My DNA Test. What Do I Do Now?-(Note: to read about which grandparent you might be more related to, click here: Which Grandparent Are You Most Related To?) Congratulations on purchasing your DNA test! While you are waiting for your test to arrive or for your results to come back, there are some important steps that you can take to make sure …
Comparison of Ethnicity Estimate From the Four Major DNA Testing Companies-Are you wondering what to expect from your DNA ethnicity estimate? Perhaps you are trying to determine which company offers the most detailed, or most accurate ethnicity estimate. In this post, I will show you my complete ethnicity results from Ancestry DNA, 23 and Me, Family Tree DNA, and My Heritage DNA. My sincere hope …
Should You Keep or Expose a Family Secret Discovered Through DNA?-Most people get interested in DNA testing to find out where their family came from. Basically, they wanted the pie charts and ethnicity percentages. Furthermore, many people don’t realize that they will get a list of DNA matches, and it might be fair to say that most people aren’t expecting to uncover previously unknown close …
How to Use DNA to Find Biological Family Connections-Want a way to use your unique DNA to find biological family connections? You can use DNA testing to find relatives, and I'll tell you exactly how to do it.
Why Don’t I Have an Ethnicity That My Parent Has?-Why don't I have an ethnicity that my parent has? How is this possible? Does it mean DNA results aren't real? Find answers to these questions and more!
What Can I See on Ancestry DNA Without a Subscription?-Are you wondering what you can see on Ancestry DNA without paying a monthly subscription? Maybe you are curious about what happens after you do your DNA test if you don’t pay a monthly subscription fee? Perhaps you have a subscription, and you are thinking about cancelling it for a while? Maybe you just don’t …
Most Common Objections to DNA Testing – and How to Respond-Are you considering asking a relative to do a DNA test to help you with your research, or to figure out exactly how you are related to them? There so many great reasons to do a DNA test, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right words, or to anticipate what your relative’s …
Identical by State or Coincidentally Identical DNA Segments-Did you know that it’s possible to have a DNA match that is not really related to you? When this happens, the DNA match is called “identical-by-state”, which means that the DNA segment that you share was not inherited from a common ancestor and instead is just coincidentally identical. In this post, you will learn …
How to Trace Your Slovak Roots-If you have Slovak ancestry and are curious about what Slovakia was like before your ancestors came to the US, why they might have come, and how to trace your Slovak roots, you have come to the right place. I became interested in Slovakia when learning about my own Slovak roots, and I wrote this …
Do We Share DNA With All of Our Relatives?-Do we share DNA with all of our relatives? Find out when a relative should share DNA, and when you might not share DNA with people in your family tree.
No Match With the Parents of a DNA Match?-What does it mean if you don't match the parents of your DNA match? Here, I'll explain reasons that you might match the parents of your DNA matches.
Phased Matches on Gedmatch: Paternal and Maternal Matches-Are you looking for an easy way to figure out if your DNA matches are on your paternal or maternal side? If one of your parents has done a DNA test, and you have access to the results, you can phase your matches on Gedmatch to separate them by maternal and paternal lines. This is …
Can Siblings Share Different Amounts of DNA With the Same DNA Match?-If you are looking at a particular DNA match and wonder if it is normal for you and your siblings to share different amounts of DNA with said match, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will learn why sharing more or less centimorgans (cMs) with a match than your sibling …
How to Upload to Family Tree DNA-Family Tree DNA is a great site for finding DNA matches and learning more about your ancestry. In this post, learn how to upload your DNA to the site.
What is Gene Heritage?-Gene Heritage uses your DNA to determine if you inherited certain genes from your parents that influence whether or not you display particular characteristics. Some of the genes/alleles that they check for are lactose intolerance, taste sensitivities, eye color, how well you might do as a sprint athlete, and whether or not you have bad …
What to do When You Get a Close DNA Match-Read here to find out what to do when you get a close DNA match. Plus, learn a few strategies that might help you find out how you are connected.
What is a Low Sharing DNA Match?-“Low sharing” is a term often used by genetic genealogists to describe an amount of DNA that is towards the low end, or even lower than the bottom range of the typical amount of shared autosomal DNA for two people for a given relationship. In this post, you’ll learn: About how the term “low sharing” …
Beginning Genetic Genealogy Concepts-If you are brand-new to genetic genealogy, this post is for you. I’ll explain the basics of autosomal DNA, centimorgans, DNA segments, Gedcoms, and tell you what MRCA stands for. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by new terminology and complicated scientific concepts. My goal here is to break things down in a way that …
Five Things You Should Do Today With Your DNA Matches-If you aren’t doing these five things, then you are missing out on a ton of information that you can learn from your DNA match list. You might check your match list regularly – maybe even every day, but if you are just scrolling through, looking for a something interesting, hoping that something will catch …
What is the Best Way to Find Half-Siblings?-If you know that you have half-siblings, or you think that you might, it’s completely natural to be curious about them. A top As DNA testing becomes more popular, it becomes easier to find living DNA relatives, including half-siblings, around the country – or even world. In this post, I’ll explain some strategies for finding …
What is European Jewish?-When I first saw my Ancestry DNA results and saw that I had European Jewish DNA, I had no idea what to think. What is European Jewish? I didn’t know much about the Jewish religion, or Jewish people, and I knew even less about how I might have inherited Jewish DNA. I had so many …
Mexican Native American DNA?-If you have Mexican ancestry, you might be wondering whether or not you have Native American DNA. Or maybe you already did a DNA test, and you want to know more about how and why your Mexican roots might show up as Native American on a DNA test. In this post, I’ll discuss this, plus …
What is a Third Cousin DNA Match?-Do you have cousin matches that show up in the 3rd cousin category on Ancestry DNA, or cousins in the 3rd-5th cousin category on another DNA testing website? In this post, learn what a third cousin DNA match really is. You will also find out: what it means to have a third cousin DNA match …
Triangulated Segments on My Heritage DNA-Want to learn more about the triangulation feature on My Heritage DNA? Find out how to use triangulation to learn more from your DNA matches.
Comparing Chromosome Positions Across Testing Sites-One of the most helpful aspects of more advanced DNA analysis is the ability to locate specific DNA segments shared with several matches in order to identify the common ancestor. Sometimes all of our DNA matches are not located on the same site, and we find ourselves comparing chromosome locations across DNA testing platforms and …
How Does Welsh DNA Show Up?-If you have Welsh ancestry and are thinking about taking a DNA test, or have already taken one, you might be curious about how your Welsh roots will look on your ethnicity results. In this post, I will explain the basics of Welsh DNA, from how it shows up on autosomal DNA tests to the …
Endogamy in Mexican DNA Matches-One of the unique challenges that you might encounter while researching your Mexican DNA matches is endogamy. What in the world is endogamy, and what does it have to do with Mexico and DNA matches? Endogamy is simply a fancy word that means intermarriage within a particular community or area. Basically, it’s just the practice …
What is a Second Cousin DNA Match?-What is a second cousin DNA match? Are second cousin matches accurate? Find out what this really means, and how you are connected in this post!
Should I Link My DNA to My Tree on Ancestry?-Are you wondering if you should link your family tree to your Ancestry DNA results? In general, I always recommend that my readers consider doing this. It’s the best way to take advantage of all of the features that Ancestry offers and leverage the power of having your DNA results and family tree on the …
What Can I Learn From My DNA Match List?-If you are thinking about doing a DNA test, or just got your results back, you might be wondering what you can learn from your DNA match list. DNA matches are my favorite aspect of DNA testing, since each match has the potential to provide valuable information, help you solve a family mystery, and provide …
Why Native American DNA Doesn’t Show Up in DNA-Have you heard from others that Native American doesn’t show up in DNA? I get this question frequently, and I’ve seen people suggest that Native American DNA doesn’t show up on DNA tests in online forums. In this post, we’ll dispel this myth, and address some reasons that could explain why Native American doesn’t show …
What is a First Cousin DNA Match?-Our DNA match lists can be overwhelming sometimes, especially the first few times you examine it. If you got your DNA test results back and you have a first cousin match, this post will help you understand what a first cousin match really means and how this person might be related to you. Whether …
My Heritage DNA Central American-If you received your My Heritage DNA Ethnicity Estimate and saw Central American on your results, you might be wondering what this actually means. I know that I was very confused when I saw this on my husband’s report, and it led me to investigate this further. As it turns out, anyone with Native American …
Can I Use Ancestry DNA on Other Sites?-If you did a DNA test with Ancestry, you might be surprised to know that you can use your Ancestry DNA on other sites. In fact, this is a really great way to get maximum value for your investment, and for you to learn as much as you possibly can from your DNA. There are …
What Can I Learn From mtDNA?-One of my main research projects in my mother’s family is tracing back her mother’s German ancestry. At a certain point, I felt like I had reached the limit of what autosomal DNA testing could tell me about my mother’s deep ancestry, and I determined that I would start to explore mtDNA. While it is …
How to Protect the Privacy of Living Relatives on Your Gedmatch Gedcom-If you have ever uploaded a Gedcom to Gedmatch, or are considering doing so, you might be wondering if there is an easy way to mark your living relatives as private from within Gedmatch. As it turns out, there is not currently a way to do so once you have uploaded your Gedcom to the …
What Does It Mean if I Don’t Have Any Shared Ancestor Hints?-I always recommend to my readers that they do a DNA test with Ancestry and build their tree there, too. There is no better place to combine access to documents and records, public family trees, and more than six million (as of February 2018) DNA test takers. One of the coolest features of Ancestry DNA …
Compare Your Ethnicity With Your Match: Ancestry DNA-Ancestry recently released an exciting new feature, which is currently available only on the mobile Ancestry DNA site. You can now compare your ethnicity with that of your DNA matches. This is a huge update on the Ancestry DNA website, since up until now, you could only see a list of the ethnicities that your …
Ten Things to Look for in Your Ancestry DNA Results-In this post, I am going to tell you ten things to look for in your Ancestry DNA results. Once you've read through this list, you'll know what to do next.
What are 4th Cousin Matches on Ancestry DNA?-What are 4th cousin matches on Ancestry DNA? If you did Ancestry DNA, and want to make sense of you DNA match list, read this post to learn more!
Ireland/Scotland/Wales DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry-Did you find the Ireland/Scotland/Wales DNA ethnicity region in your Ancestry DNA results? You might have known that you had distant Irish roots, or recent Scottish ancestry. Or maybe you are completely shocked to find the Ireland/Scotland/Wales ethnicity in your ethnicity estimate. In order to truly understand this ethnicity, and how it ended up in …
Does Ancestry DNA Really Work?-If you are anything like me, you like to research something before you commit to doing it, and so I definitely understand why you want to learn as much about Ancestry DNA before you decide to take the test. While the questions my readers tend to ask me range from concerns about privacy to how …
See all 150+ Regions Ancestry DNA-The most exciting part of the Ancestry DNA results to many people is the ethnicity estimate. When you log in to your estimate, there is a little link that says “See All 150+ Regions”. In this post, we’ll talk about exactly what this means, and what you can learn from the information that you will …
Irish DNA in Mexico?-If you have Mexican ancestry and have already done a DNA test, or are thinking about doing one, you might be surprised to know that many people with Mexican roots have Irish DNA. There is a lot of misinformation out there about the “typical” genetic makeup of the average Mexican. In fact, most people typically …
Who Were the Scotch-Irish Americans?-In this post, we’ll explore the Scotch-Irish and try to understand what brought them to America – and how they might have ended up in your family tree. When I was growing up, I knew very little about my mom’s paternal side of the family. Supposedly, my maternal grandfather’s dad was Slovak, and his mother …
Can I Still Be Irish Even Though I Have None in My DNA Results?-If you did a DNA test expecting to find more Irish, or at least some Irish, represented in your ethnicity results, you are not alone. Many people are surprised to find Irish, and others are surprised not to find Irish in their DNA. With St. Patrick’s Day coming up in just a few weeks, you …
Africa North DNA in Europe-People with primarily European ancestry are often surprised to find North African DNA in their ethnicity results. In this post, learn a little bit about how you might have inherited DNA from Northern Africa even though you have no known recent ancestors from the area. Plus, find out why it’s not remnants of “ancient DNA”, …
How Much DNA do Half Cousins Share?-Confused about cousins? Learn about shared DNA between half-cousin relationships, focusing on half-first, half-second and half-third cousins.
Europe South DNA Ethnicity on Ancestry-If you have Europe South in your Ancestry DNA ethnicity results, you might be interested in learning more about the region. As it turns out, to really get a good understand of the full meaning of our ethnicity results, we have to do a little exploration of geography and history. It’s worth the effort, however, …
How to Upload Your Family Tree to Gedmatch-Are you ready to learn how to upload your family tree to Gedmatch? Uploading your family tree to Gedmatch can help you and others learn more from the site!
Should You Upload a Family Tree to Gedmatch?-One of the best ways to figure out how a DNA match is related to you is to examine your DNA match’s family tree, and so I always recommend attaching your family tree to your DNA results whenever possible. Many people don’t know that you can also upload a family tree to Gedmatch and link …
Ten Things I Learned From My Ancestry DNA Test-Today, I was thrilled to read an e-mail from a reader who was contemplating taking a DNA test. I always love to hear from you guys, and of course, I love to talk about DNA testing. When I was responding to the e-mail, I started thinking about all of the amazing things that I have …
Why Siblings Show Different Ethnicity Percentages-You have figured out that it’s normal for siblings to show different ethnicity percentages, but now you want to understand why. In this post, I will explain how this happens, and why it’s actually a huge benefit to you that your sibling has DNA that doesn’t match yours. How siblings inherit different ethnicity The way …
Do you share DNA with all of your relatives?-If you have done a DNA test, you might have some questions after looking through your DNA match list. Maybe someone that you thought should be on the list doesn’t show up? Or maybe you haven’t done a DNA test yet and are wondering who might show up on your match list? After all of …
Beginner’s Guide to Shared Centimorgans-In this easy to understand article, learn what centimorgans are, the definition of a DNA segment,how to estimate your relationship with your DNA match
Did Your Ancestry DNA Circles Disappear?-If you are anything like me, you were excited to finally get placed into an Ancestry DNA Circle. A DNA Circle is like the ultimate in genetic genealogy: validation that your research is correct, and that your family tree has the right people on it. It almost feels like a digital extended family reunion, with …
How to Understand Your FTDNA Ethnicity Results-If you just got your results back from your Family Tree DNA Family Finder test, you might be wondering how to understand your FTDNA ethnicity results. Ethnicity estimates are often the cause of skepticism and confusion, and if this is how you are feeling, know that you are not alone. In this post, I will …
Example of Family Tree DNA Family Finder Results-Are you interested doing the Family Finder test with Family Tree DNA? In this post, I will show you an example of Family Tree DNA Family Finder results. I’ll walk you through the different aspects of the results and explain what type of information you can expect to learn. Doing the Family Finder test with …
How to Figure Out How Your Family Tree DNA Match is Related to You?-One of the most exciting aspects of DNA testing is the extensive list of DNA matches that show up on your match list. If you scroll through your DNA matches, however, you will quickly realize that many times it is not immediately obvious how your DNA match is related to you. In this post, you …
How to Use myFamilyTree on FTDNA-The myFamilyTree tool on Family Tree DNA is a relatively new tool that helps you combine your DNA results with your family tree research. In this post, you will learn how to use the myFamilyTree tool, and tips for how to build your family tree on Family Tree DNA. There are some very nice benefits …
Template for Contacting DNA Matches-Do you want to get in touch with your DNA matches? Here, find a template for contacting DNA matches that can be used for several different situations.
How Many Generations are in 500 Years? - There are about 20 generations in 500 years of ancestors. Learn how we calculate this discover how many generations are in your tree going back 500 years.
