DNA Ethnicities
Introduction
The story of the Hudson family’s DNA reveals a rich tapestry of both modern and ancient origins, tracing back through centuries of migrations and historical events. Our journey begins in modern times, with connections to England, Ireland, and Scotland, and delves into the ancient roots of the Briton and Gaelic Celts. Along the way, we also uncover how the Price family’s DNA adds layers of Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Viking influences to our genetic makeup.
Hudson Family: A Journey Through Modern and Ancient Ethnicities
Modern DNA Ethnicities: England, Ireland, and Scotland
The modern Hudson line is firmly rooted in England, Ireland, and Scotland, with the family’s more recent history tied to Yorkshire, England, and their migration to Canada in the 19th century. These regions are more than just places on the map—they represent the survival of ancient peoples and cultures.
The modern-day Irish connection comes from the Gray family line, which lived in County Cavan, Ireland. This ancestral connection is reflected in the Irish DNA passed down through the generations.
The modern-day Scottish ancestry is tied to the McNeil line. Although Alexander McNeil was born in what is now Northern Ireland, he was Protestant, and his ancestors were likely part of the great Scottish migration to Ulster that saw 50,000 Scots move to Northern Ireland in the 1690s. This McNeil line is linked to the McNeils of Barra, a clan with deep Scottish roots despite their later presence in Ireland.
The Hudson family’s long-standing presence in Yorkshire can be traced back centuries. Still, our deeper roots stretch much further, back to the ancient Celtic peoples who inhabited these lands long before England became a unified nation.
Ancient DNA Ethnicities: Briton and Gaelic Celts
Beneath the modern ethnic ties of the Hudson line lies a profound connection to the Briton Celts of England and the Gaelic Celts of Ireland and Scotland. The Hudson Y-DNA haplogroup, specifically R-BY12191, traces back to around 900 CE in Ireland, where the Gaelic Celts were dominant.
The Briton Celts, the native inhabitants of the British Isles before Roman and Anglo-Saxon invasions, were some of our earliest identified ancestors in England. These ancient peoples played a key role in shaping the cultural and genetic landscape of Britain and Ireland.
Hypothesis: Based on the progression of our Y-DNA haplogroup, it seems likely that our ancestors returned to England between 900 CE and 1273 CE. By 1273, our paternal surname “Hudson” appears in written records, suggesting that after centuries in Ireland, the Hudson ancestors may have moved back to England, eventually settling in Yorkshire.
This hypothesis links our ancient Gaelic Celtic ancestry in Ireland to our modern Hudson lineage in England.
Y-DNA Haplogroup Steps
The Y-DNA haplogroup analysis provides a detailed genetic map of the paternal Hudson lineage. Each step in the haplogroup progression represents a mutation passed down through generations, tracing the path of our ancestors from their ancient origins to the present day.
Our haplogroup journey begins with the R1b group, widely associated with the Bell Beaker culture of early Europe, and moves through distinct subclades, ultimately arriving at R-BY12191, found in Ireland around 900 CE. This unique genetic path not only connects the Hudson family to ancient Celtic cultures but also sheds light on how our DNA has evolved over thousands of years.
Price Family: A Blend of Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Viking Heritage
Modern DNA Ethnicities: England, Scandinavia, and Germanic Europe
The Price family, which is on my father’s maternal line, shows modern ties to England, Scandinavian countries (Sweden and Denmark), and Germanic Europe. These connections highlight the enduring influence of ancient migrations that reshaped the population of England over time.
With records traced back to Kent, England, the Price family history reflects centuries of English life intertwined with external influences brought by invading and migrating groups.
Ancient DNA Ethnicities: Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Norse (Viking)
The ancient ethnic makeup of the Price family reveals the waves of migration that defined early England:
- Anglo-Saxon: The Germanic tribes that arrived in England during the 5th century and laid the foundation for English identity.
- Norman: Descendants of the Vikings who settled in northern France, later invading England in 1066, bringing a mix of Norse and French culture.
- Norse (Viking): The fierce Scandinavian invaders from Denmark and Sweden who left an indelible mark on England during the Viking Age.
Hypothesis: We know that the Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Viking heritage in the Price family is confirmed not only through DNA testing, which my father conducted via Ancestry, but also by the fact that the Price family has lived in Kent for several centuries. This historical presence aligns with the ancient migrations of these groups into southern England, particularly Kent.
These ancient ethnicities explain the Scandinavian and Germanic components found in my father’s maternal DNA, with Viking and Anglo-Saxon bloodlines running deep within the Price family.
Images are sourced from Institue for Orton-Gillingham Educators, Wikipedia, and Medievalists, respectively.
Connecting the Dots: How Ancient Ethnicities Shaped Modern Identities
The Hudson and Price families represent a convergence of ancient ethnicities, each contributing to the DNA we carry today. The Hudson family’s journey from Briton and Gaelic Celts to modern-day English, Irish, and Scottish reflects the longstanding connection between the Celtic peoples and their descendants. Meanwhile, the Price family’s Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Viking heritage paints a picture of early England’s ever-changing population, influenced by both conquest and migration.
Conclusion
The story of the Hudson and Price families is one of migrations, conquests, and deep-rooted ancestry. Through modern and ancient DNA analysis, we can see how the genetic legacy of Celts, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans shaped who we are today. This rich history lives on through the descendants of these families, preserving their legacy for generations to come.