This project has been running since 2010, and seeks to identify the early genetic origins of indigenous Manx families. The relatively small size of the island and its population makes a genetic study of this type manageable and achievable, in a way not easily possible elsewhere. For many years the project focused entirely on YDNA, but in late 2024 we expanded to include a complementary mtDNA study into early female genetic ancestry on the Island. Anyone with an earliest known patrilineal or matrilineal ancestor from the Isle of Man is warmly invited to participate. Many Manx surnames are unique to the island and we also welcome any man with an surname indicative of Manx ancestry. The project now includes over 500 YDNA tested men of genealogically traced Manx patrilineal ancestry. Their results have enabled us to partially or fully characterise the patrilines associated with over 100 ancient Manx surnames. Between them these patrilines cover 85% of the indigenous Manx male population and have spread all over the world. 75% of the male population in the period 1300-1500 is assessed as being of Celtic origin with the remaining 25% coming from Scandinavia, either as Viking or Norse-Gael invaders. Many families of Celtic origin show early connections with other neighbouring Irish tribes and Scottish clans. New and unexpected relationships between many Manx families have been determined and show that the present day descendants of this early population are more closely related than might be expected. This is particularly true of the surnames of early Scandinavian origin which turn out to have descended from a surprisingly small number of individual Norse patriarchs. Recruitment has benefitted substantially on the generous financial support of participants and well-wishers helping to finance DNA tests. All donations are gratefully received and can be made via the blue "donate" button on the left of this page. The project website can be found here www.manxdna.co.uk and up-to-date information on the results and conclusions reached so far in the project can be found there.