Unveiling The Surprising Jewish, Chinese, and Filipino Roots Of My Surname, Chan Through an iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Chan
Always curious about my Chan ancestry, I decided to undertake an iGENEA DNA test. The findings were revealing and intriguing in more ways than one, unveiling a Jewish lineage, linking to a historical migration from northern China to Southeast Asia, and uncovering a significant Filipino genetic makeup.
Surprises and Unexpected Turns: Discovering My Chan Ancestry through an iGENEA DNA Test
As a bearer of the common surname, Chan, my curiosity led me to discover the depths of my ancestry through an iGENEA DNA test. The results were surprising, eye-opening and definitely unexpected. The test indicated significant Jewish ancestry on my father's side, linked me to the great migration from northern China to Southeast Asia, and revealed a fascinating cross-cultural genetic makeup.
My Y-DNA sequencing data unravelled an unexpected Jewish lineage on my father's side. This was a surprise, given that Chan is typically associated with Chinese heritage. The test results indicated that my forefathers likely belonged to the Levites, an ancient Jewish tribe. This is fascinating since records of this tribe can be traced back to the Biblical era.
Secondly, beyond the Jewish lineage, the test connected me to the great migration from northern China to Southeast Asia, where most of the Chans I know of today reside. Historically, this migration, which occurred over the centuries, saw the southern regions of China becoming a melting pot of different ethnic minorities. Hence, my genetic makeup affirms me as a product of these migrations.
The third surprise was the discovery of a significant amount of Southeast Asian DNA, especially from the Filipino region, most likely transmitted on my mother's side. This cross-cultural genetic combination showcases the integrative nature of our ancestries and the profound historical migrations.
In retrospect, my family name Chan, mostly linked to Chinese heritage, revealed a much colorful tapestry than I could have imagined. This iGENEA DNA test not only unveiled an ancestral mix of Jewish, Chinese, and Filipino heritage but also a historical journey that spans centuries and different continents. This journey of discovery has sparked new questions about my cultural identity and given me fascinating insights into who I am at a deeper genetic level.
X. Chan