DNA Paternal Ancestry Test
Trace your father’s lineage with Y-DNA testing
Uncover your direct paternal ancestry using our Y-DNA test. Only males carry Y-DNA, passed down from father to son, letting you track your father’s ancestral line generation by generation.- Simple and painless mouth swab kit
- Each test includes the full genetic report
Important Note
This test analyzes Y-chromosome DNA and can only be taken by males, as the Y-chromosome is found only in males. Females interested in ancestry tracing should consider our Maternal Ancestry Test, which follows the maternal line, or testing a male relative like a brother or father to view ancestry on the paternal side.€180
Fast, Convenient, Painless
Trace your paternal ancestry using Y-DNA
The Y chromosome is passed down virtually unchanged from father to son. This allows the Y chromosome to be used to explore paternal lineages and ancestry.
Y-DNA testing examines genetic markers on the Y chromosome, called short tandem repeats (STRs). The combination of STR marker values represents a haplotype, which reveals a paternal genetic signature.
To trace paternal ancestry, a Y-DNA STR test can be taken to generate a Y-DNA profile. This profile is compared to others in a Y-DNA database to find individuals who share a recent common paternal ancestor. Genetic matches indicate shared paternal lineage and help build an ancestral family tree.
DNA Databases
All ancestry tests include complimentary access to 4 powerful databases. Discover more about your origins today.
DNA Reunion Database
Finding genetic matches to unknown relatives across generations based on sharing DNA. Matching provides clues to build out family trees by confirming ancestors and finding previously unknown branches. Useful for adoptees, foundlings, and those with unclear ancestry.
Famous DNA Database
This database has reconstructed DNA profiles of historical figures using archeological evidence, relics, and putative descendants. Comparing your DNA to profiles like Napoleon or Cleopatra provides insights if you may be descended from royalty or notable lineages. A fun analysis for history buffs.
DNA Haplogroups Database
Identify deep ancestral haplogroups that formed thousands of years ago as humans migrated out of Africa. Haplogroups connect to ancient populations like Vikings, Celts, or Mayans. Reveals hidden ancestral diversification and migration patterns.
Indigenous DNA Database
Contains reference DNA profiles from indigenous populations worldwide. Comparing DNA to this database indicates which historic ethnic groups show closest genetic similarity. Identify Native American, South Asian, East Asian, African, European, or Oceanic roots and admixture.
What is a Y-DNA test?
The Y-DNA test examines specific locations on the Y chromosome called short tandem repeat (STR) markers. STRs are sequences of DNA that repeat consecutively numerous times, such as ATCG-ATCG-ATCG-ATCG. The number of repeats at a particular STR marker location can differ between individuals.
Testing works by using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to target and amplify specific STR markers on the Y chromosome. The PCR process makes many copies of the STR sites of interest.
The number of repeats at each STR marker is then detected using capillary electrophoresis. This counts and sizes the PCR amplicons to determine the allele values for each Y-STR marker tested.
Typically, between 20-40 Y-STR markers are tested for a Y-DNA STR profile. Our premium test can analyze 101 Y-STR markers, providing very high paternal lineage resolution.
The combination of STR marker values generates a multi-locus haplotype that represents a paternal genetic signature. This can be compared to other Y-DNA profiles in a database to match individuals linked by a shared paternal lineage.
By testing more STR marker locations, deeper ancestral insights can be gained over testing just minimal markers. Full sequencing the Y chromosome captures all possible Y-STR variability for maximum paternal ancestry information.
How Home DNA Testing Works
Order Test Kit
From relationship tests to health tests, we offer a wide range of DNA tests to fit your needs.
Collect & Ship
Collect your DNA with our painless mouth swabs, then send the samples to our laboratory for analysis
Receive Results
Access your confidential results online the moment testing is completed. Our team of experts is available for any questions.
Electronic Reports Delivery
FAQs
Can females take the Y-DNA test?
No, only males have Y-DNA so only males can take the Y-DNA test. Females wishing to trace their paternal lineage must test the Y-DNA of a male family member such as a father, brother, male cousin or nephew who is on their direct paternal line. Both males and females can take the mtDNA to trace their maternal lineage.
If I test 20 Y-DNA STR markers, can I test more markers at a later date?
Yes, if you test 20 markers, you can choose to test more markers later.
Can females take the mtDNA test?
Yes, both males and females inherit mtDNA from their mother so both males and females can take the mtDNA test to trace their maternal lineage.
