I wish to draw member’s attention to a possible scope for misunderstanding. Those members on the Island will have seen last week in the paper that there is an event at the Manx Museum next weekend 19th February inviting men to be DNA tested to see whether they are of Viking origin or not. This is a study recently initiated by the University of Leicester as part of their “Surnames of the British” programme and is an individual research programme leading to a PhD.

This study has nothing to do with the Manx DNA project that I started last August and which is now well underway and has been mentioned on this board in the past. The Manx DNA study (www.manxdna.co.uk) is intended to identify and classify the Y-DNA genetic signatures of the main Manx families (ca 110 of them) with the objectives of trying to learn more about the early origins and connections of these families, both on the Island and with the neighbouring Irish and Scots clans, as well as possible Scandinavian origins. In time this study may also help us to understand better how some of these Manx Gaelic family names were really formed.

DNA results from some 40 Manx families have already been collected and show, based on this sample, that approximately 25% of the present Manx male population can be classed as being of Viking origin (Haplogroups R1a and I). So if you are a male Cain, Callow, Casement, Cowley, Kaighen, Karran, Keig, Kinley, Kneale, Looney, Martin or Shimmin, we now know already from this study that there is good evidence that you are of Viking origin!

The recent article in the IOMFHS journal has prompted more interest in this study and a number of new recruits have contacted me in the last week – but more are still needed! Please see the website to see if your name has already been covered or whether a male recruit from your family is still wanted!

The Leicester University study is only testing a comparatively small number of Y-DNA markers compared to the Manx DNA study and so will not reveal as much about an individual family’s early history and genetic connections in any case. In addition participants will not receive their own results until 2013.

So, in conclusion, if you are interested in understanding more about your own Manx family’s early origins and genetic connections, I would ask that you consider including your family in the Manx DNA study.

Cheers
John Creer