Unraveling The Chronicles of My Surname 'Medina' Through iGENEA DNA Analysis
Family name Medina
Embarking on a transformative journey, I explored the origin and history of my family name, Medina, through iGENEA DNA analysis. I was taken on a fascinating voyage from Spain's Middle Ages, through religion conversions, continental migration, and finally, our existence in Mexico. Moreover, my lineage was traced right back to the indigenous populations, an uplifting revelation and a testament to the rich mestizo culture.
My iciness towards DNA testing was supplanned by curiosity and a yearning for self-discovery. As such, I took the plunge with iGENEA, hoping to delve deeper into the origins of my family name, Medina. The journey was a fascinating one, taking me back through countless generations and vastly varied geographical locations.
To start, packaging for my DNA testing kit arrived neatly packed and surprisingly straightforward: an envelope containing detailed instructions, a cheek swab kit, and a preaddressed envelope in which to send it back. The process was entirely free of stress or complexity and within weeks, my results arrived.
What I found was astonishing. I discovered that my surname traces back to Spain, specifically to 'Medina Sidonia', which was an Islamic city during the Middle Ages. To my shock and delight, I found that my ancestors were Sephardic Jews who converted to Catholicism during the Inquisition. It was an electric realization to know that my family history was intertwined with such a historically rich and significant era.
As the results enlightened me further, I realized my surname's poignant journey across oceans and continents. The migration of my ancestors from Spain to Latin America was a notable movement, escaping religious persecution and searching for a better life. This exodus of my forebears explained the rooted existence of my family in Mexico today.
Moreover, the testing also revealed my family's link with the indigenous populations in Mexico, corroborating the merging of cultures that has occurred throughout centuries of Mexican history. The discovery was overwhelmingly fascinating, to say the least. The merger of European and indigenous roots in my lineage showcases the rich mestizo (mixed) culture that is largely prevalent throughout Latin America - linking me intimately to a broader historical picture.
My experience with iGENEA has expanded my understanding of myself and my roots in ways that I had not anticipated. The unraveling of my family's journey, from Spain to Mexico, from Jewish to Catholic, and the intertwining with indigenous cultures - all embedded in the simple name Medina, has been an incredibly profound experience. DNA analysis has cast a new light on my identity, encouraging me to embrace and explore the rich tapestry of my heritage.
L. Medina