If you’re into genealogy and have taken a MyHeritage DNA test, you’ve probably experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with updated ethnicity estimates. The latest video from How We Got Here Genealogy perfectly captures this feeling, as Brian navigates his own surprising results. He starts by mentioning his initial frustration with waiting for the update, a feeling many of us can relate to!
Brian then walks us through his old ethnicity results, a fascinating mix including Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Balkan, Finnish, Greek, and Southern Italian. But the real fun begins when he reveals the updated picture. Talk about a dramatic shift! Scottish and Welsh are now grouped together, Irish makes a big leap, and new players like English, Breton, and Dutch enter the scene.
So, what’s behind these changes? The video clearly explains that it’s all about improvements in MyHeritage’s reference panel and algorithm. As their database grows and their methods become more refined, the estimates become more accurate, leading to these sometimes-surprising revisions.
But here’s the key takeaway: while ethnicity estimates are intriguing, they’re not the holy grail of genealogy. Brian rightly emphasizes that DNA matches are far more valuable for genealogical research. Connecting with living relatives who share your DNA is where you’ll uncover new branches of your family tree and truly bring your ancestry to life.
The video concludes with a great call to action: dive into your DNA matches and start exploring! And if you’re looking for resources to help you on your genealogical journey, Brian provides some helpful links. This video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the nuances of DNA ethnicity estimates and learn how to use their DNA results to make real genealogical breakthroughs.