Y-chromosome DNA testing is an especially helpful genealogical tool because the male Y-chromosome is handed down, father to son, unchanged through the generations, except for rare mutations, which in themselves, can be helpful indicators of branching. The accessibility and affordability of family DNA testing is doubtless the greatest technical advance in the history of genealogical research because -- at long, long last -- we have a tool to break down those brick walls!

The patriarch of a large Varnes family, primarily from north Florida, is Isaac Varn, b.c. 1776 in South Carolina and d. 1858 in the Black Creek area of Florida. There is another large Varn family with roots in South Carolina that descend from two brothers, John and Jacob Varn. Researchers disagree on the early genealogy of this family. All agree that both groups were of German decent.

Genealogical Y-DNA is now being employed to extend and connect lineages to identify the genetic homeland(s) of the surname. Group members so far are thought to fall into the I1-Z140 EE cluster as identified by William Hartley. His theoryis that the ancestors of the subgroup originated between and along the rivers Rhine and Elbe. Members of this subgroup (which includes surnames other than Varnes) are found from the Netherlands to Italy along these rivers. The fast evolving science of Y-SNP testing may sort this out in the near future.

The Varnes-Varn-Varns Surname yDNA Project is open worldwide to men who are interested in working together to find their common heritage through sharing of family history information and Y-DNA testing. All variant spellings are welcome. If your Surname is missing and should be included, we'll be glad to add it.

Donations for specific researchareas;
If anyone wants to assist in accomplishing the goals of the project by means other than ordering a DNA test themselves  please make a donation to our General Fund.

Joining of existing family trees;
If you suspect you are related to a Varn family group other than the one your paper genealogy indicates then why not use Y-DNA testing to prove it. All it takes is 2 tests, one Varnes male from each line, to find out if you have a Y-DNA match. You may prove connections not only to the obvious groups but to others from around the world.

Spreading the cost;
If you are concerned about the cost then please bear in mind that you can spread it between your family members. For example, if you have a proven family tree then only one direct descendant male needs to submit a sample. So every member within a family could share the costs. We may even make a small donation to the cost of your test.

The Ladies;
Please don't forget how important the ladies are when it comes to organizing things. So while it's the Varnes males that supply the Y-DNA it could very well be the ladies that provide the organizational skills necessary to get those men to do the test.