This Y-DNA Project is focused on males who carry the surname Motz, Moats, Motes, Moates, and other spelling variants. Because Y-DNA is only passed from a father to a son, only men can take Y-DNA tests. If you or your father, grandfather, brother, uncle or a male cousin can take the Y-DNA test, please order one to learn more about your paternal ancestry. The 12-marker test can reveal IF you are related at some point in time, but a more informative 37-marker, 67-marker or 111-marker test can better tell how long ago you were related and to whom you are more closely related. We use DNA results and traditional genealogical research as well as collaboration with our members to learn more about our ancestors and how we may connect to other families in the United States and abroad. Anyone, male or female, who is interested in knowing more about Motz, Moats, Motes, Moates is welcome to join our project and participate in discussions. The Project surnames of interest can be found throughout the world. The world distribution by country with greatest incidences is as follows: Motz - Germany (3,353), United States (3,199), Canada (335), France (258), and Austria (218). Moats - United States (7,025) and Canada (35). Motes - United States (4,174), Germany (122) and Spain (106). Moates - United States (1,765) and England (71) Motz is in most cases the original spelling and is found in German-speaking countries. Immigrants to the United States or their children often Anglicized their surname to Moats, Motes, Moates and Moatz. The variation Moates is also found in England and so that may be indicative of a different origin altogether.