Unearthing My Familial Roots with iGENEA: A Kaleidoscopic View into the History of Alder
Family name Alder
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery with iGENEA, I unravelled fascinating insights about my surname, Alder, and my family's migrational history. From learning about the Celtic origin of my name to understanding my ancestors' geographical movements, this DNA analysis has painted a vivid historical picture for me.
My experience with iGENEA has been nothing short of transformative. The journey began with an impulse to delve deeper into my familial roots and to understand the real narrative behind my last name, Alder. Upon receipt of the DNA analysis kit, I was filled with anticipation. The kit was easy to use, making the process very convenient and straightforward even for a first-timer like me. It was as simple as providing a saliva sample and sending it back.
When I eventually received the results, I was awestruck with the detailed and comprehensive analysis. The reports were extensive and very insightful, offering an extraordinary glimpse into my ancestry. It was fascinating to learn that the surname Alder had a Celtic origin. The name, as I discovered, was derived from the old Celtic word "ail" meaning rock, coupled with "der" or "dour" denoting stream or river; hence describing someone who lived near a rock stream.
This newfound understanding expanded my basic comprehension regarding the Alder surname. It wasn't just a name anymore but rather a historical snapshot from the past, referencing the geographical and environmental realities of my ancestors’ time. Unearthing this narrative behind my last name was like adding missing pieces to a jigsaw puzzle of my identity.
One of the key highlights of my iGENEA experience was discovering the migrational trajectory of the Alder lineage – from Western Europe to Scotland during the Middle Ages, then branching out to other parts of the world. It was thrilling to realize that my ancestors were significantly mobile and their movements corresponded with significant historical events of their eras.
Overall, my iGENEA journey has greatly enriched my perception of my familial roots. It has fostered a profound appreciation for the complexities and continuities of human migration and the quiet echoes of history that reside in us through our DNA. Realizing how deep-rooted my family tree is, and how our movements have been etched into the annals of history has filled me with awe.
I. Alder