The Taverner DNA Surname Project grew out of an ongoing correspondence between two distantly related Tavenner cousins and a Tavener, all who's ancestors originated in the same county in Virginia. It was quickly suggested that the two males participated in DNA testing to see if their hypothesis of a close common ancestor is correct. We are currently engaged in the testing process and hope to have others participate from not only around the USA but from around the world. The surname Taverner was chosen as it the original spelling for most of the people from around the world with a variant of the name. Some of these variations include Tavenner, Tavener, Taviner, Tavner, Tavenar, Tavenir, Tavinir, Tavennor, Tavenor, Tavinor, and Tafner. There seems to be several groups of Taverners in England in the 17th through the 19th century. There are groups of Taverners centered around Essex, Middlesex and London, another in the Midlands and another in Devon. A few Taverners can be found in Wales and Scotland. Of course they spread out from Great Britain to the other parts of the British Empire, notably North America, Australia and New Zealand. Most of the Tavenners in the United States originate from the Tavenner families of Loudoun County, Virginia and Wood County, West Virginia. Other Tavenner's (and variations) come from around the USA; many immigrating in the 19th and 20th centuries. Almost all of these families have an origin in Great Britain. There are others who families originate from various parts of mainland Europe. One notable family name is Tavernier from France and Germany. If you have any questions, contact me at tavner@gmail.com or go to the FAQ page at the parent site for this page at www.familytreedna.com. Also recommended is the website for the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG) www.isogg.org