A Y-chromosome DNA study - Englisberg and Zimmerwald, Bern, Switzerland- Background

Background

Originally the surname Guggisberg, which is well documented in the villages of Englisberg and Zimmerwald since the mid 1300's, has been subjected to a Y-chromosome DNA study in order to determine, if the contemporary name-bearers share a common male ancestor from whom the surname had been passed down. The project was a success and established as proven fact, that indeed all name-bearers Guggisberg share a common male ancestor. In order to widen the scope of this project, it was decided to also test the other old-established surnames in the villages of Englisberg and Zimmerwald in order to learn if the other families are compatible with the Guggisberg haplotype or if they prove to be distinct.