DNA site announces 35 regal surnames that could be related to the Royal Family
Currently, MyHeritage is offering a 14-day free trial, providing individuals with the chance to map out their family tree, uncover new relatives, and sift through billions of historical records. They've even compiled a list of 35 surnames that could potentially reveal a connection to royalty, reports the Express
According to MyHeritage, certain surnames have traditionally been linked to nobility and could strongly suggest a Royal lineage. If users possess one of these 35 surnames, they might be in for an unexpected revelation about their relatives.
Curiosity about Royal lineage can be explored through surnames, and while they don't guarantee a connection to the monarchy, they serve as an intriguing starting point. To delve into their ancestry, individuals can utilise MyHeritage's platform to construct their family tree, incorporating names, dates, photos, and stories, and then sift through historical records including census data, birth, death certificates, and marriage records.
Additionally, MyHeritage offers DNA testing services, as well. This provides insights into one's ethnic background and identify potential relatives.
Using these tools, users can figure out if their surname is part of a royal lineage. Here's the aforementioned 35 surnames connected to the Royals, and how they made their mark on history:
Windsor: The current British royal family's surname since 1917.
Tudor: The Welsh dynasty that produced monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Stuart: A Scottish house that ruled England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Plantagenet: A royal house that provided England with monarchs from Henry II to Richard III.
Capet: The dynasty that ruled France from 987 to 1328.
Bourbon: A European royal house that ruled France, Spain, and other territories.
Habsburg: A prominent royal house of Europe, known for ruling the Holy Roman Empire.
Hanover: The British royal house from George I to Queen Victoria.
Valois: A cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty that ruled France.
Lancaster: A branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for its role in the Wars of the Roses.
York: Another Plantagenet branch, also central to the Wars of the Roses.
Bruce: A Scottish royal house, with Robert the Bruce being a notable king.
de Valois: A French royal house that produced several kings.
de Medici: An influential Italian family that produced royalty and popes.
Savoy: A royal family that once ruled parts of Italy and France.
Orange-Nassau: The Dutch royal family.
Oldenburg: A European royal house that includes the current Danish royal family.
Glucksburg: A branch of the House of Oldenburg, associated with Danish and Norwegian royalty.
Romanov: The last imperial dynasty to rule Russia.
Baskerville: A noble family name with historical ties to English aristocracy.
Darcy: A surname associated with medieval nobility and landowners in England and Ireland.
Neville: A powerful English noble family with significant influence during the medieval period.
Percy: An aristocratic English family known for their role in British history.
Astley: A noble surname linked to the English peerage.
Capell: A distinguished English family with historical ties to the aristocracy.
Howard: A prominent aristocratic family in the UK, holding the title of Dukes of Norfolk.
Seymour: The family of Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, with ties to the Dukedom of Somerset.
Grey: Associated with Lady Jane Grey, England's nine-day queen.
FitzAlan: A powerful medieval family, former Earls of Arundel.
Courtenay: A noble family with connections to English and French royalty.
Manners: The surname of the Dukes of Rutland, a high-ranking noble family.
Russell: Connected to the Dukes of Bedford, an influential aristocratic lineage.
Cavendish: The surname of the Dukes of Devonshire, a powerful British noble family.
Talbot: A noble family holding the Earldom of Shrewsbury.
Spencer: The family name of Princess Diana, tying it to the modern British royal family.
For those seeking alternative resources, Ancestry is another option, providing DNA tests starting at £79, which not only connect users with relatives but also offer insights into familial origins. 23andMe is yet another choice, offering DNA tests with ancestry breakdowns and personalised health insights, with prices commencing at £89.
MyHeritage boasts a commendable 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. One user praised the site, commenting: "Immediate accurate statistics of my immediate family members."
Another user appreciated the ongoing updates and positive outcomes, stating: "Regular updates of discoveries, positive results. This site is not just about the money, it is about genuine results for the family history researcher."
A satisfied customer shared their experience: "My family history has expanded and the format is easily understood. Changes are quick and easy. Thank you."
Not all users are singing the same tune, with one commenting: "I don't fully understand it. I can't find a user guide, difficult to navigate, Help Center does not always understand my problems. My previous version was much easier for me."
Yet, another budding genealogist recounted their use of the site as an 'enjoyable experience,' enthusing: "Finding related families and information relating to individuals has been a wonderful experience. MyHeritage has made it even easier to trace ancestors and verify relations."
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