Sanford Y-DNA Surname Project

Testing of Y-chromosme DNA, or Y-DNA, allows genealogists to verify and analyze paternal ancestry (also known as male-line, surname, father's father's or patrilineal ancestry). Y-DNA analysis can save time, prevent or find mistakes, and provide uniquely useful data. 

The Sanford Surname Project was started about 2006. It has been used to help solve multiple 'dead ends', and at least one correction of a published genealogy. 

In this project, the surname 'Sanford' is used as a generalization for two-syllable variants of the surname: Sanford, Sandford, Samford, and others. Project membership includes paternal descendants of those surnames, as well as men of dissimilar surnames whose Y-DNA matches Sanford families. Similar three-syllable surnames, such as Sandiford and Sandifer, are generally the subject of separate projects, as experience to date indicates that families with such three-syllable surnames are genetically distinct from those with two syllables. Exceptions may exist, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Early Sanford families existed in England and Continental Europe. There were early Sanford clusters in the English colonies--in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Virginia, Barbados, New Jersey, Alabama and other locations. Some Sanford families possibly intermingled within those areas. 

Persons interested in the project who are not male-line Sanford descendants are invited to use this website and to submit relevant information and questions to the project administrator.

Members who are interested in becoming the volunteer administrator or co-administrator should contact the administrator.