DNA testing can identify ancestry far further back than written records. The TICKLE/TICKELL DNA project aims to discover which branches of the family are connected. The project primarily uses Y-DNA testing. Y-DNA is passed down the male line, from father to son, virtually unchanged. As surnames are also passed down the male line, there is a close link between Y-DNA and the family name.
If you are female you can still be included in another part of the project, but your results may not identify distant Tickle relatives, only those within a few generations.
Here are the Y-DNA results in the project so far. We have already established one link between families in the US and England. I’m eager to find other males with the TICKLE or TICKELL name (or variants) who would be prepared to take a Y-DNA test to see how their results compare.
To date there are 4 distinct sub-groups identified.
- GROUP A have Lancashire origins. Everyone in Group A has a Y-DNA match with at least one other person in the group, although not everyone in this group matches everyone else.
- GROUP B is the descendant of a Tickell in England who emigrated to Australia. It’s likely the origin is in the south of England.
- GROUP G1 are descendents of German immigrants to the United States, whose original name was probably Digel.
- GROUP G2 are also of German descent. They are also descended from the Digels, and they share some DNA in common with G1, but it appears that there may have been an NPE (non-paternal event) at some point in their history. This can occur through illegitimacy, infidelity, or adoption and can be many generation ago. It’s impossible to tell at this stage of the project which of the groups have Y-DNA going back to Germany – we need more descendants to test!
If you’re a male Tickle who would be willing to participate in the project, I’d be delighted to hear from you. I can get DNA test kits through the Guild of One Name Studies at a small discount, so please contact me. if you are willing to be tested.
Unfortunately, Y-DNA tests are a little more pricey than the standard Autosomal test, but you only need one male relative to represent your family, so maybe you can club together. You can also donate to a fund to buy kits for those who can’t afford it. Please contact me for details.
If you’re female, there are other tests that you can do, but perhaps you could persuade a male Tickle relative to represent you?
If you’ve already had a DNA test, this can be uploaded to the project as well. Your test may be what is called an Autosomal DNA test, rather than a Y-DNA test, but it can still be useful in matching close relations.There is a fund you can donate to, to assist those who cannot afford it to purchase a kit. Unfortunately Y-DNA tests are a little more expensive than the Autosomal tests which are generally advertised.
If you are a male who has reason to believe you are directly descended from a Tickle male, even if you don’t carry the surname yourself, you are welcome to participate. The test can confirm or disprove what you believe.
Find out more about the Tickle / Tickell DNA project.
A quick warning … although Y-DNA is normally passed down the male line with the surname, it’s possible there may have been illegitimacy or infidelity at some time in the past – even generations ago – and your test may not reveal what you think!
The DNA project is very new and exciting so please contact me on tickle@one-name.org if you want to participate.