Journey Through Time: Discovering the Cultural and Historical Riches of the Hyman Ancestry via iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Hyman
The DNA test from iGENEA was not just about genetics; it was a mesmerising journey into my cultural and historical roots. The most amazing part was discovering the age-old, elaborate history connected to my surname - Hyman. This English surname, with its intriguing ties to Jewish communities, reveals layers of profiles about my ancestors, their intellectuality, influence, and migration, unfolding a captivating personal narrative.
On receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, I was swept into a journey filled with incredible historical and cultural revelations. The most fascinating among them was the rich history and origin associated with my surname - Hyman.
At a glance, the name Hyman may seem quite ordinary; however, it is entrenched with deep historical roots. Belonging to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain, the Hyman surname has a prominent place in the country's long, illustrious history. The name is derived from the baptismal name 'Higman', meaning 'son of Hig', which was quite common during the Middle Ages. Hig, in turn, is a diminutive form of the Old English name 'Higg', meaning 'thought' or 'mind'. This opens a window into my ancestry, suggesting that my ancestors were cerebral and intellectual individuals drawing from the symbolic meaning of their name.
Delving further into history, I could see that the Hymans have continuously had a significant influence on society's fabric. They held various positions of power, wealth, and prestige, ranging from political affairs to the arts.
The cultural aspects of the Hyman surname are intriguing as well. Although primarily considered an English surname, it is also found in Jewish (Ashkenazic) populations, sometimes spelled as Heiman or Heyman. In these communities, Hyman is a variant of Chaim, meaning ‘life’ in Hebrew, making it an incredibly appropriate name for an ancestry test that brought my lineage to life.
The iGENEA discovery also mentioned a prominent migration pattern to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was exciting to learn that a significant proportion of people carrying the Hyman name are currently living in the United States, fascinatingly illustrating the global reach of this ancient name.
Learning about the history and cultural significance of my name has been a journey in itself, a realization that I am part of a long, unbroken chain of individuals who have contributed to the world and its progress. It has not only reconnected me with my past but also given me a better understanding of who I am and where I come from.
Q. Hyman