DNA & FAMILY HISTORY
Bridging the Atlantic to find lost English, Scottish or Irish ancestors.
For many families in North America, the trail back to Britain or Ireland seems to disappear. Y-DNA can provide a powerful clue—but it is the combination of genetic evidence, historical context and carefully tested records that can reconnect an American family line with its origins.
This guide explains how Y-DNA works, what it can and cannot reveal, and how specialist genealogists use the result to investigate an ancestral location.
START HERE
Quick facts
- Y-DNA acts like a genetic clock, reaching back thousands of years.
- Y-DNA is not included in standard tests from AncestryDNA.
IN DEPTH
Y-DNA
There is a good likelihood of being able to localise where your ancestor came from using Y-DNA testing. The Y-chromosome passes from father to son, meaning that it can preserve a signal from a direct paternal line across many generations.
This type of DNA is not tested by Ancestry.com. Our recommended provider for Y-DNA testing is FamilyTreeDNA, based in Texas. Scroll to Paternal Ancestry and select one of their three products: Y-37, Y-111 or Y-700. These cost between $100 and $400. We particularly recommend the Y-700 because it provides the best possible resource.
FamilyTreeDNA will provide you with interesting information, but it is unlikely that the result alone will identify a specific geographical location in the British Isles or Ireland. Having obtained your result, IHGS will then be ready to assist you.
Because the Y-chromosome follows a surname in many cultures, Y-DNA can be especially useful when a paternal surname has changed spelling, crossed the Atlantic, or become difficult to trace in the records.
DISCOVER
Curious where your story really begins?
IHGS undertakes genetic genealogical and heraldic research for clients who want to understand what their evidence can support. Our researchers can help interpret DNA clues, investigate likely locations and connect the genetic evidence with the records that build a reliable family history.
We are also developing an online course in genetic genealogy for family historians who want to understand the methods used by experts.
TURN YOUR RESULT INTO A LOCATION
Have Y-DNA results but still no ancestral location?
Learn how an expert assessment can turn a genetic lead into a focused research plan for England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales.
FOLLOW THE RECORDS
DNA may reveal the clue. Records build the story.
Learn the same evidence-led methods used by professional genealogists and develop the skills to research your family with confidence—or build a career in genealogy.
Build Stronger Research FoundationsCHOOSE YOUR NEXT STEP
What is your next step across the Atlantic?
I already have Y-DNA results
Get specialist help using your results to investigate the geographical origins of a paternal family line.
Explore Y-DNA Location InsightI’m not sure which DNA test I need
Get guidance on testing options, existing results and the questions different DNA tests may help answer.
Explore DNA Advisory ServicesI want to research my family properly
Learn how to organize clues, evaluate records and build every generation on stronger evidence.
Start With Tracing Your RootsI want to develop advanced expertise
Build professional-level research skills through structured study, tutor guidance and an established genealogy qualification pathway.
Explore the Higher CertificateNot sure which path is right for you?
Ask Arthur
