There are a number of distinct family lines with the McCorkle/McCorquodale surname and variations in the U.S./Canada and the British Isles.  Although it is clear that the North American lines immigrated primarily from Ireland and Scotland, there is no clear answer as to how all these lines are related despite much speculation based on traditional genealogy and family lore.   In addition, the relationship between McCorkle and McCorquodale is not clear even though they are commonly linked together.

The goal of DNA testing is to help determine these relationships, and to also help participants find other distant relatives.