Welcome to the Y-DNA Project for the Snavely-Snively paternal line (and variations). While all geographical regions of origin are welcome, the primary goal of this research project is to utilize Y-DNA analysis to help understand the European origin of the “Pennsylvania Dutch” Snavely-Snively surname and relationships amongst the various branches of the family. The name Snavely is an anglicization of the Swiss-German name Schnäbele, Schnäbeli, Schneebeli, Schnebli, or Schnebly. Many Snavely ancestors were Mennonites who fled to America in the 18th century. The first Snavelys in North America settled in SE Pennsylvania (Lancaster County), with some later emigrating to Maryland and Virginia. Upon settling in their new homeland, they changed their surnames, most choosing either SNAVELY or SNIVELY. Some researchers have traced the Snavely line to the von Lunkhofens of 13th century Zurich, and the Swiss surname Snewli (var. Schnewli) from the Old German “snewes”, meaning snow. Many early Snavely ancestors settling in SE Pennsylvania are known to have emigrated from Affoltern am Albis, Canton Zurich, Switzerland. However, other early Snavelys arrived from the Palatinate and Alsace regions and their possible Swiss origins are yet to be established. I look forward to working with you! Parke Detweiler Snavely, III Group Administrator