About us
The members of the Godfrey Surname Project represent a large number of unrelated lines, illustrating that many historical pathways led to adoption of the Godfrey surname. Through DNA testing, we may be able to determine which of these lineages you belong to. The Godfrey and Godsey DNA Project is open to all who are interested in working together to find their common heritage through sharing of information and dna testing. All variant spellings of the Godfrey and Godsey surnames are welcome. If your surname is missing, we'll be glad to add it.
One of the largest lineages belongs to a rare subclade of haplogroup R-Z2534, discovered in two Godfrey BigY tests. Another fairly large lineage appears to belong to the somewhat rare R-S12025 subclade of R-U106. Numerous other lineages also occur, with no doubt interesting genetic tales to tell as well. More information can be found on the Y-DNA results table: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Godfrey/default.aspx?section=ycolorized
Family tradition is that Godseys originated from Godfreys in early colonial Virginia. Y-DNA has to date been unable to confirm this tradition. So far most Godseys have been members of Y-DNA Haplogroup I.
An important part of genetic genealogy group projects is recruiting new members. Please encourage matches with the same or similar surname to also join this project; likewise encourage those with the same or similar surname who have not tested to consider doing a DNA test. There is a discount on certain Y-STR tests ordered through the group project page. I recommend the Y-DNA37 test as a minimum, with the Y-DNA67 test being better.
At minimum some basic SNP testing is also recommended to help filter out irrelevant matches. If you are in Haplogroup R, the M343 Panel is often an affordable place to start, but please check with Dave Godfrey ( dnaaficionado@gmail.com ) first to make sure there isn't a better alternative. BigY testing can also be very useful. If you have already done BigY, it is unlikely that you will need to do any further SNP testing.
Our research can only progress with more data, so your assistance in recruiting other Godfreys and Godseys to participate would be appreciated by all.
We are also here to offer advice and assistance with the interpretation of your Y-DNA results, so please feel welcome to ask any questions and we will do our best to answer them.
One of the largest lineages belongs to a rare subclade of haplogroup R-Z2534, discovered in two Godfrey BigY tests. Another fairly large lineage appears to belong to the somewhat rare R-S12025 subclade of R-U106. Numerous other lineages also occur, with no doubt interesting genetic tales to tell as well. More information can be found on the Y-DNA results table: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Godfrey/default.aspx?section=ycolorized
Family tradition is that Godseys originated from Godfreys in early colonial Virginia. Y-DNA has to date been unable to confirm this tradition. So far most Godseys have been members of Y-DNA Haplogroup I.