The Graden/Graydon surname project was started in August 2002. Y-DNA samples continue to be submitted by men having similar surnames. Test kits can be ordered at "www.familytreedna.com" (click on "Surname Projects" and then "G" to find the Graden/Graydon project). Discounted prices are available to project participants.

As of June 2008, seven unique patterns of Graden/Graydon/Gradon/Grayden Y-DNA have been identified. Pattern#1 (surnames Graydon & Graden, N=15 samples) traces to Counties Dublin, Fermanagh, Kildare, and Wicklow in Ireland and also to Halifax, England; this is the largest branch of matching families. Pattern#2 (Graydon, N=2) traces to County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Pattern#3 (Graydon, N=2) is believed to trace to areas around Longford and Dublin, Ireland. Patterns #2 and #3 are believed to be linked to Pattern #1 through women whose maiden names were Graydon (their sons kept the Graydon surname). Pattern#4 (Graydon, N=2) and Pattern#5 (Gradon, N=4) trace to northern England (Sunderland and Durham areas, respectively). Pattern#6 (Grayden, N=2) traces to London, England, circa 1671-1800. Pattern#7 (Graden, N=2) traces to Siselen in Switzerland.

These seven unique Y-DNA patterns form an excellent database for future comparisons with DNA patterns of new project participants.