Clay men: your Y-DNA test may help answer questions that paper records alone cannot resolve. Clay descendants who cannot take a Y-DNA test can still help by identifying or sponsoring an eligible male-line Clay relative.

The results of deeper analysis of information found on this website are shared with Clay Family Society members here: https://clayfamilysociety.net. 

Our new website will go-live in late July 2026.

As the project grows, results will be used to highlight broad Clay paternal-line groupings, emerging branches, and research questions that need additional testers or documentary evidence.

The most useful discoveries often come when Y-DNA results are paired with well-sourced family trees. A single test may be interesting; a cluster of related tests with documented lineages can become evidence that helps many researchers.

Future project updates may include:

• Newly identified Clay Y-DNA groups.
• Branches needing additional testers.
• Examples where DNA evidence supports or challenges a traditional Clay lineage.
• Opportunities for targeted testing of key Clay lines.
• Guidance on when a Y-DNA upgrade may be useful.

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