Ginn, Guin, Gwin, Guyn, Gwyn, McGinn, McGuin > O'Guin > OGwynn Project- Background

Background

Our surname affiliation is based on several factors.  One shows there is a high degree of probability that the Irish variations of CUIN-O'CUINN (link) may have first been anglized to QUIN-QUINN variations and some to variations of GUIN, GWIN, McGUIN to O'GUIN over many generations.  Some of our members show a close association with QUIN-QUINN matching GUIN-GWIN.  They are presumed to have descended from the old Irish Kingdom (link) (link), and share DNA as that of the descendants of "Niall of the Nine Hostages"(link), who descends several generations from "Conn of the Hundred Battles"(link), through his son Art mac Cuinn (link), and through his son Cormac mac Art (link).    While in other parts of Ireland and Scotland a probability that some CUIN-O'CUINN variations may have been anglized to GINN, GUIN, McGINN, McGINNIS, McGUINN over many generations. 

In Wales and parts of England the surnames GWYN-GWYNN are patronic surnames (link) originating from the Welsh mythological figure, known as Gwyn ap Nudd (link), the king of Tylwyth Teg or "fair folk" and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn and the old Kingdom of Gwynedd (link).  These patronic surnames where commonly used up to the 1500's, and continued to be used in some cases up to the early 1800's.  Patronic surnames changing from generation to generation having "no relationship to Irish Clanship".  Welsh historians have also documented several families of GWYN-GWYNN variants surnames to the WYNN variant surnames (and visa versa).  

North American historians have proven anglization occurred with our GINN, GUIN, GWIN, GUYN, & GWYN surnames in a majority of families which arrivied to the New World, beginning in the mid 1650's as they migrated across the continent up to the 1940's.  So to keep this brief...  we have variations of possible:
(1) GINN, GUIN, GWIN, GUYN, GWYN variant connections ( Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, UK, North American, worldwide )
(2) CUIN, QUIN, GUIN, & GWIN variant connections ( old Irish, Scottish, & Isle of Man )
(3) GWIN, GUYN, GWYN, WINN, WYNN variant connections ( Welsh & Brittian ) 
(4) GINN, McGINN, GUIN, McGUIN, McGINNIS variant connections (old Irish, Scottish, Isle of Man )
(5) GUIN, GWINN, O'GUIN, O'GWIN variant connections ( Irish or Isle of Man )
(6) What historians diffinately agree with is that there "is no historical indication or conclusive documentation" of CUIN & QUIN having "origins" or associated with WINN or WYNN, which supports the basis that the GINN, GUIN, GWIN, GUYN, GWYN Project designated as the middle (official combined) surname project, with a focus of exploring all possibilities researching variants of those surnames. "We must apologize for several other projects which have recently duplicate our philosophy and goals (link)". 

Our project like many others is "FREE", and contains "No Membership Fees".  There is "No Limit" to the number of projects which you join.  If you believe that you fit this category and your surname is not on the list above, we will consider adding the surname once you have "Joined".  You must be "Logged-On" to FTDNA to be a member of our Project (link).

Because surnames often follow a Y-DNA lineage for many generations it is typical for project participants to be "men with that surname".  Of course, women who are interested in their ancestry beyond their direct paternal line, may have an appropriate representative of the line they are interested in tested.  (Project Start date: 11 Jul 2011)

** SOME DNA TEST & UPGRADES ARE DISCOUNTED IF YOU HAVE "JOINED A SURNAME PROJECT" **
ask FTDNA when ordering, 1-(713)-868-1438

There are 'thousands' of Family Ancestry Trees throughout various web-sites, which researchers have reached their "brick-wall", due to a lack of documentation, thus speculating unknown heritage. Some researchers have it "wrong", while other researchers are "correct".  Some of our ancestors are thought to have an ancient kinship while others reflect an independent origin.  Knowing which set you might descend from, possibly ties you into some ancient history, in IRELAND, WALES, SCOTLAND, ENGLAND, FRANCE, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, AFRICA, the UNITED STATES or other countries.

Be the first person that publicly establishes a genetic profile on your progenitor.  Or be the first person to confirm your immediate branch of ancestors to others with the same or similar surname.  Identical genetic mutations are like fingerprints to your ancestral heritage.  We have only scratched the surface, and there is thousands of unanswered questions capable of a responce through mutual cooperation. 

Genetic DNA testing is not a magic wand.  When you find a close match, it gives you the potential to collaborate with another researcher to determine a connection, which could lead to a breakthrough.  A perfect or near perfect match with someone of the same surname on 37 or 67 marker test almost always indicates a direct connection, but that connection could still be beyond the paper trail that exists.

This project was specifically established to confirm and compare the results of our Ginn, Guin(n), Guyn(n), Gwin(n), Gwyn(n), and all similar surnames, the DNA associated with each other, to provide a direction for further research, and to view a common genetic background for use as a supplement to traditional genealogical research.  Some of us are not related for many generations or not at all.  Some will match closely with others, while others might find out about a possible Non-Paternal Event (NPE).

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: As for Surname Projects, this one will maintain a "Maximum Genetic Distance" from the MODE/MODAL of FOUR ( 4 on Y-DNA67 ), THREE ( 3 on Y-DNA37 ) to ensure a proper relationship between members, estimated within 400-500 years.  If the Genetic Distance is exceeded, a new category will be created. Eventually questions may answer themselves as time passes and as more participation is encouraged.

Sunday: "Project Research Day" ..... The project converts to a "Clan based Haplotype Project" by combining surnames together with a "Maximum Genetic Distance" from the MODE/MODAL of TEN ( 10 on Y-DNA67 ), SEVEN ( 7 on Y-DNA37 ) to ensure a proper relationship between members, estimated within 1000-1300 years... If the Genetic Distance is exceeded, a new category will be created.  This is best viewed on the Colorized Table.   Note: If you would like your results temporarily placed in a different category, for comparison purposes only ... Please call me at that time, Michael A. Gwinn, phone number listed below (Family obligations may restrict work on Sundays).

If you NEED a GEDCOM, contact me, up to 9 generations.  Some assistance & LIMITED access required to upload data, 

"General Fund Donations" to the GUIN, GWIN, GUYN, GWYN Y-DNA Project are acceptable and can only be used

 to purchase new DNA Kits or Upgrades ordered on INVOICE. 

Respectfully, Michael A. Gwinn, gwinnma@aol.com (575) 403-9654