PDA

View Full Version : DNA question


Asa
19-09-18, 07:07
I'll admit I have a very poor understanding of both DNA testing and DNA itself. Since the updated DNA information on Ancestry, I've found the results quite well reflect the research I've done and/or the likelihoods. The exception is that I have 6% DNA (1-11% range) described as Norway. Is this likely to indicate that I have a great great grandparent from that area?


I know the identities of all my great great grandparents with the exception of one and I've shared DNA with descendants of many of these. The missing great great grandparent is the father of my great grandfather, who was born in 1876 in Perth, the illegitimate son of a weaver who was born, died and lived most of her life in Dundee. Looking at the census for Dundee 1871 and 1881 (on Ancestry rather than SP) there are a few Norway born men on each, I think all sailors or associated trades.


Clearly, it is something that would be hard to prove unless something pops up in the future but is this likely or a fanciful leap?

Phoenix
19-09-18, 07:25
Asa, the friend whose DNA has been tested has not dissimilar results.
I suspect this indicates - not that a Scandi stranger had it away with gg granny - but that a few viking raiders had it away with anglo-saxon grannies.
I don't know how many bits of DNA each of us have, but I imagine that the percentage probably represents several different individuals.
So far, the really good matches are for mutual ancestors born in the 1820s or earlier, so small percentages are likely to be much further back.

Asa
19-09-18, 07:35
Ah thank you, Phoenix. I know people who have siblings with variations (although still identified as siblings by the matches) so that makes more sense. Bit disappointing though because that would have been nice and neat. As I have so many ancestors from that part of Scotland, it's quite likely there would be a fair bit of Scandinavian "input" over time, I guess.

I was sort of comparing it to the 2% France area DNA, which comes from a great great grandmother with a lot of Huguenot ancestry.