A Y-DNA surname project involves the Y chromosome testing of males who share the same surname; only males have a Y chromosome. For hundreds of years the Y chromosome has been passed from father to son unchanged except for very infrequent mutations. The test result is a series of numbers, called a haplotype. By comparing your numbers to others with your surname you can determine with a high degree of probability if you share a common ancestor; the results do not tell you exactly how you are related. A single test is useless - it must be compared to others carrying the same surname and used in conjunction with traditional research (e.g., pedigree/ancestor chart, etc.). In addition to testing, we need information (e.g., pedigree chart) on each participant's line of descent from the earliest known male ancestor. This helps to identify the various unconnected lines.

Project history: In 2002 when Georgia Kinney Bopp began the Kinney/McKinney project a female McKenna asked to join (using a male relative's DNA). Georgia agreed to include McKennas until a McKenna descendant was able to take charge. Later Robert McKenna started a McKenna project but due to time constraints was not able to recruit more McKennas. In 2006 other McKennas (in Ireland and Australia) expressed a desire to assist with recruitment. One of them, Gerry Mc Kenna of Ireland, agreed to serve as a project administrator. Peter McKenna of Australia, also agreed to assist. Robert McKenna graciously agreed to new management of the McKenna project; Georgia is no longer involved in the project.