Manx Matrilineal DNA Analysis

We know from the YDNA study that the large majority of living Manx men descend from one of around 130 Isle of Man patrilines (each of which typically corresponds to a particular Manx surname). We anticipate that a similar number of ancient Manx matrilines will account for the mtDNA inherited by modern testers of Isle of Man descent. We aim to determine all of these matrilines, and to use them for purposes such as better understanding the genetic origins of early Manx women and assisting genealogical efforts to trace back female lines.

So far we have identified 7 Manx matrilines of which 4 can be said to have been fully confirmed. Since surnames have traditionally been passed down the male (rather than female) line, we necessarily have to identify these matrilines by their haplogroups.

H1jf2 represents the descendants of a woman who lived circa 650AD. The are 8 people with this haplogroup of which 3 have confirmed Manx ancestry. It is likely that that the majority of the remainder do also, including all of those with the subsidiary haplogroup H1jf2a which dates to circa 1300AD. The genetic origin of H1jf2 is Celtic.

U2ea1a4b1 dates back to circa 1500AD and has 8 FTDNA tested descendants. Of these testers, two have confirmed Manx ancestry and it is likely that most of the others do also. The genetic origins of the matriline are uncertain.

H5a1m is an ancient haplogroup dating back to 1400 BC and having 128 tested descendants. F6390429 is a cluster of 9 of these descendants which also match on more rapidly changing mtDNA markers. Two of these people have confirmed Manx ancestry, and it is likely that at least some of the others do also. The genetic origin of this matriline is Scandinavian, making it highly likely that the Manx line originated from a Viking woman who settled on the Island.

V3a1 is an ancient haplogroup corresponding to a woman who lived circa 1000 BC and has about 200 FTDNA tested descendants. Two clusters of these descendants (F4816988 and F8766246) each contain a person with identified Manx ancestry. We can't be certain at this stage, but it is probable that they come from the same Manx matriline. Some of the other descendants are also likely to have Manx ancestry. The genetic origins of this line are not yet clear.

H1u1c is a haplogroup dating back to 700AD and having 12 tested descendants. One of these testets has Manx ancestry. He is in an mtDNA subgroup of his own, and it seems likely that his ancestress settled on the Isle of Man sometime after 700AD. The genetic origin of this Manx matriline is Irish.

U5b2b4a+150 is a haplogroup dating to circa 950AD. It has 8 tested descendants (one of whom has identify Manx ancestry) spanning several clusters. It seems likely that the settlement of this line on the Isle of Man occurred after 950AD.

H1c1a is an ancient cluster dating back to circa 900 BC. It has 268 tested descendants, including one with identify Manx ancestry. The Manx matriline is in cluster F4100115.

We will be able to learn more about the above matrilines, and also discover new ones as more people with Manx matrilineal ancestry are tested.