Discovering My Roots: Harnessing the Power of DNA Analysis to Unravel the History of My Surname 'Ng'
Family name Ng
Delving deep into my DNA analysis with iGENEA, I discovered intriguing facets of my family name Ng, tracing back its origin to Southern China's Nguyen dynasty and how migrations and intermarriages in my ancestors’ past painted a rich cultural tapestry.
Embarking upon the journey of genetic testing at iGENEA provided me the historical insight into my family roots that I didn't think was possible. The process was profoundly enlightening. It began when I collected a swab sample from my inner cheek and sent it back to the iGENEA labs for analysis after receiving the genealogy DNA test kit. After several weeks, I received an email notification that my results were ready. The results were released on a customized portal, where I could trace my ethnic composition, maternal and paternal haplogroups, and my familial connections.
The meticulously detailed results reported that my paternal line originated in Southern China, which wasn't too surprising, given that my surname "Ng" is prevalent in this part of Asia. However, the depth of what I learned about my surname was captivating. "Ng," I discovered, is an abbreviation of the name Nguyễn, a name that was adopted by several emperors during the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam. It was fascinating to discover how my ancestors potentially gained this surname as a sign of loyalty to the ruling class. There was a thrill in learning that my surname had held such significance centuries ago.
I was further enthralled when IGENEA's analysis pointed out that my DNA also held markers common with specific groups found in Northern Vietnam and Guangxi, South China. This finding suggested a possibility of migrations and intermarriages in my ancestors’ past, implying a rich cultural diversity within my lineage that was previously unknown to me.
Likewise, they advised me on how the genetic markers could give potential insights into not only the geographic origins of my paternal line but also into the professions, lifestyles, and socioeconomic statuses they likely held. Unraveling these stories embedded in my genes was an intriguing endeavor that has enriched my understanding about the legacy of "Ng."
Overall, the iGENEA journey was more than just confirming my Asian heritage. The DNA analysis plunged me into the depth of history, educating me about the meaning of my surname and revealing potential stories of my ancestors. It has not only expanded my understanding of the surname "Ng" but has instilled a profound appreciation for the heritage passed down to me. This embarkment into my genetic makeup has left me with a sense of connection to my roots that feels newly profound and deeply personal.
L. Ng