Discovering Leite: My Ancestral Journey through IGENEA DNA Test
Family name Leite
Embarking on a quest unraveling familial roots through the IGENEA DNA test has led to astonishing discoveries. The results helped map out the historical journey of the Leite surname from its Portuguese origins, revealing links to Sephardic Jewish heritage and connections to Northern Europe, providing a rich narrative woven into the fabric of my ancestry.
My IGENEA DNA test has presented an enlightening historical and cultural revelation. I discovered that my surname, Leite, carries a rich history originating from Portugal. Meaning 'milk', Leite is a surname whose roots connect to medieval Europe, specifically the regions that would later be known as Portugal and Spain. It's speculated to have been a nickname for a person with very fair or pale skin, highlighting the descriptive nature of the vast majority of medieval names. It's fascinating to realize that my surname could have given insights into the lifestyle or appearance of my ancestors centuries ago.
Another striking find was that the surname Leite has Galician origins. Galician is a region both in the northwest of Spain and the north of Portugal. The Galician region has been taken over by different cultures throughout history, imparting a diverse cultural backdrop for my ancestors. This mixture of cultures could explain the diversity in my DNA results.
Also, my DNA test results showed a significant presence of Sephardic Jewish markers. Sephardic Jews, originally from Spain and Portugal, faced persecution and expulsion in the 15th century during the Spanish Inquisition. This could indicate that some of my paternal forebears were part of the Sephardic Jews who fled to other parts of Europe or converted to Christianity as a survival tactic.
The Leite's matrilineal line was revealed to be linked to Northern Europe, specifically the Scandinavian region. This could trace back to the migration movements in the early centuries AD, or even to the time of the seafaring Vikings that reached the Iberian Peninsula.
These findings not only place my ancestors across different geographical locations but they also give an outline of the diverse cultures they experienced throughout history. These revelations have given me a newfound respect for my surname and the narrative it carries. As every Leite, I carry these stories forward in my name.
N. Leite