Types of DNA Projects: Surname, Geographic and Haplogroup
Much of genetic genealogy happens in volunteer-run projects that pool results around a shared interest. Wikipedia’s overview notes that tests have long been promoted by amateur groups such as surname study groups and regional genealogical groups.
Surname projects
A surname project gathers people who share a family name (and its variants) to find out how the different families are related. These are usually based on Y-DNA. See surnames and genetics.
Geographic projects
Geographic projects bring together people whose ancestors came from a particular county, region or country, whatever their surname. They can reveal clusters of related families in one area.
Haplogroup projects
Haplogroup projects focus on a single branch of the Y-DNA or mtDNA tree and help refine its structure as new mutations are discovered.
Family and one-name studies
Smaller projects may focus on one family or combine DNA with a one-name study that collects every record of a surname.
Choosing a project
- Check what the project is trying to answer and whether it is active.
- Read its privacy and consent policy.
- Look at how results are presented and shared.
- Ask the administrator how your data will be used before you join.
Thinking of starting one? Read how to organise a DNA study.