It’s been a while since my last update, so I thought it would be a good idea to give an overview of the DNA project and where we stand.
Goals
The purpose of the McFadden DNA Project is to use Y-DNA testing to learn more about the origins and history of the Gaelic surname Mac Pháidín and the various modern surnames derived from it (McFadden, Macfadyen, McFadzen, etc.). Y-DNA testing can demonstrate whether or not various lineages and spellings are genetically related and allow for rough estimates of these connections.
Participation
The McFadden Y-DNA project now has 46 participants: 30 men with the surnames McFadden, McFaddan, McFaddin, McFadyen, McFadzen, MacFadden; 15 men with the surnames Patterson, Paterson, Patton, Patten, Peadon, Peden, Paden, Peyton; and one man with the surname Hogan who appears to be descended from a McFadden lineage. While still relatively small, our project has doubled in size since I first signed on and continues to grow.
Established Lineages
A new group is formed every time two or more McFadden testers match each other. Thus far, we have discovered seven distinct McFadden lineage groups, some of which may be related to each other. Click here to view our results page at FTDNA: Project Results
R-M269 Group 1 – This lineage is of Colonial American origin. Its European origins are as yet unknown. This group may belong to haplogroup U106, though this is not confirmed. This group is unlikely to be genetically related to any of the other groups.
R-M269 Group 2 – This lineage is of Irish origin. Members of the group trace their lines back to Cootehill, Co. Cavan. This group may belong to haplogroup P312, though this is not confirmed. This group is unlikely to be genetically related to any of the other groups.
R-M269 Group 3 (M222+) – This lineage is of Irish origin. One line traces back to Co. Fermanagh while the others are descended from a Colonial American line of undetermined Irish origin. This group belongs to M222, a distinctly Gaelic haplogroup. This group may be related to other groups that are also M222+.
R-M269 Group 4a (M222+ DF105+ A10526+) – This lineage is of Irish origin. One line is from Co. Donegal while the others are of undetermined Irish origin. This group belongs to M222, a distinctly Gaelic haplogroup. Additionally, now that two members have taken the Big Y test, this group has its own unique haplogroup. This group is assumed to be related to R-M269 Group 4b. This group may also be related to other groups that are M222+.
R-M269 Group 4b (M222+ DF105+ A10526+) – This lineage is of Irish origin. One line is from Co. Donegal while the other is early-1800s American. This group belongs to M222, a distinctly Gaelic haplogroup. This group is assumed to be related to R-M269 Group 4a. This group may also be related to other groups that are M222+.
R-M269 Group 5 (M222+) – This lineage is of Irish origin. One line is from Co. Antrim while the other is of undetermined Irish origin. This group belongs to M222, a distinctly Gaelic haplogroup. This group may be related to other groups that are also M222+.
R-M512 Group 1 – No information yet available on this lineage. This group is not genetically related to any of the other groups.
In addition to the above groups, there are a number of men in the project who do not yet have a clear match with another person sharing their surname. This does not necessarily mean these men are unrelated to all of the above groups, just that it’s not currently possible to determine a connection through STR testing. Men who are without a group, particularly those deemed to be M222+, may wish to consider taking the Big Y.
What’s Next
– We continue to ask men with any surname derived from Mac Pháidín to join our project. The more people that join, the more we will be able to learn! More info: DNA Testing FAQ
– While men of any background are encouraged to participate, we are particularly hoping men with direct links to Scotland will get involved. Is your name Macfadyen, McFadzen, or one of the other distinctly Scottish variations? We want you!
– In order to prove or disprove connections within the project, particularly between men and groups that are M222+, we’re hoping more testers will take the Big Y. More info: The Big Y: What is it and why is it important?
– Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
As always, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions, concerns, or comments. I can be reached at rob[@]themcfaddenproject[.]com (remove brackets).
