Frances,

You are correct in that the sample database is relatively small - and therefore conclusions are provisional and largely inference still. There are two sets of DNA data for Cains claiming Manx origin.

The larger of these groups (in numbers sampled) is R1a ie "Viking" and the men tested identify different oldest ancestors from different parishes. In additional this "Cain" R1a DNA fingerprint (or close enought to it to be related) has been seen in a couple of other Manx men belonging to different families. This either indicates that they share a single common male ancestor to the Cains say before 1000AD - or the presence of Cain DNA in their family DNA has arrived there through adoption of illegitimacy at some time (NPE - non-paternal event).

There is another single record of a Cain who is R1b, M222-ve, also giving his oldest male ancestor as Manx (Patrick Cane/Cain d 1781 IOM). His haplotype does not, as far as I can yet tell, match or connect with any other Manx family so far tested. So I cannot tell whether he is an isolated NPE from a local Manx man or whether he represents another line of Manx Cains who may descend from probably Ireland - but still not certain.

Because of the numerical superiority and the larger spread of their DNA, I am assuming that the R1a Cains are the indigenous and majority family.

I hope this helps,

cheers

John