Unveiling the Sephardic Jewish Lineage Within My Hispanic Surname - Benítez Through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Benítez
Having undertaken an iGENEA DNA mapping expedition, I discovered the fascinating narrative woven within my surname - Benítez. Bearing a Hispanic origin, the scientific findings intriguingly linked me back to Sephardic Jewish lineage. Bolstered by genetic markers, my surname reveals the footprint of a cultural shift, likely spurred by historical events, such as the Alhambra Decree of 1492 in Spain.
In the scientific journey to excavate my ancestry, I sought the help of iGENEA DNA test. The study revealed some thrilling facts about my surname - Benítez. The test showed that there is a direct lineage from me to the Sephardic Jews from Spain. This was something entirely unexpected, as my knowledge of my ancestry was rooted only in Hispanic origins.
The report from iGENEA went into rich detail, explaining the genetic markers that presented this lineage. The genetic markers, specifically in the Y-DNA haplogroup E1b1b1a1b, confirm a Sephardic Jewish lineage. It’s a prominent genetic marker found among Sephardic Jews, which fascinated me as it emerged with my surname, Benítez.
Bearing in mind that the surname Benítez is common in Spain and Latin America, the iGENEA test added some depth to this narrative. It suggested the possibility that my ancestors may have been a part of the crypto-Jews who converted to Catholicism due to the infamous Alhambra Decree of 1492 in Spain, though continued to practice their ancestral faith in secret.
Throughout history, individuals with Jewish ancestry might have carried Spanish surnames and customs due to familial, cultural, and religious shifts. iGENEA’s genealogical test highlighted probable connections that connect Benítez back to these Sephardic roots. The scientific tools adopted in the test allow for such connections to be made, tracing lineage back through the winding roads of our ancestral past.
The discovery has ignited a profound curiosity within me to further investigate the origins of my surname and my heritage. Understanding the underlying complexities of my lineage has enabled me to value the intricate amalgamation of cultures, religions, and histories that constitute my identity. This endeavour, facilitated by iGENEA, has allowed me to appreciate the hidden depths of my surname – Benítez and has widened my knowledge about my ancestry.
L. Benítez