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Duffy/McDuff/McDuffie

Duff, Duffy, McAfee, McDuff, McDuffie, McFie, McPhee and variant surnames
  • 407 members
Administrators
  • Greg Wick
Co-Administrators
  • Ed Aber Leek
  • Patrick Duffy
  • Robin McPhee

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About us

The Y-DNA results are located under the DNA Results tab in the "Classic" and "Colorized" pages. The individual tests are grouped by the project administrators into different subgroups. 

Each individual member's kit is organized by their haplotype, based off of their STR results and predicted or confirmed SNPs. If you are matched with other project members in a subgroup, than you all share a common ancestor at some point in time.

Check to see if your matches have a family tree uploaded, or contact them directly for more information. Some matches may be within a genealogical time frame and finding a common ancestor in paper records is a possibility.

Each subgroup is defined by their haplogroup. The list of SNPs in each subgroup heading is a short-hand descendancy chart from an ancient shared ancestor down to more recent times. As more project members take the Big Y700 test, more SNPs will be discovered and added to the phylogenetic tree. Some of the subgroups have had enough SNP testing done to bring their haplogroup (or terminal SNP) down into recent genealogical times. At least two or three Big Y testers are recommended for every subgroup in the project.

As with other surname projects, there are many unique and distinct paternal lines that make up clan and family diasporas. Since the origin of the surname around 1000 years ago, the surname was a mark of affiliation to a group or clan of families living in close proximity and with a perceived shared destiny. Not all of the males in the group or clan would necessarily have shared the same male ancestor at the time of surname adoption. Also, clans often absorbed other non-genetically linked groups as they expanded. Over the years this leads to many genetically separate lines with a common surname.

Project Results:

Please note: All results are subject to change as new information becomes available.  Project results updated 2 July 2024.

A clear majority of project members belong to the R1b haplogroup, which is considered to be Celtic in origin. A few project members belong to the I-M253 haplogroup, which is considered to be Scandinavian in origin. Haplogroups R1a, I-M223, G-M201, E-M2 and J-M172 are also represented to a lesser extent in the project as well. 

Several of the subgroups in the project include many versions of the McDuffie name, which indicates that the spelling of the surname did indeed change over time, regardless of origin or location.   

Subgroup (A) includes multiple project members with different surnames who descend from the R1a haplogroup, which has been identified as likely originating in Scandinavia. In order to learn more about your patrilineal origins, we recommend that you consider a) upgrading to the Big Y test and b) recruiting a distant cousin (or close Y-DNA match who has the same or similar surname) to join the surname project.

Subgroup (Ba) is composed of members who have only tested at the 12 marker STR level and cannot be reliably placed in a subgroup. Please consider upgrading to 37 or 111 markers, or upgrading to the Big Y test.

Subgroup (Bf) is composed of members who have all undergone Big Y testing and are defined by the terminal SNP Z43267 and SNP Z43268. This group of closely related members share the Fee/Fea surname, and two of the three share the same MRCA (most recent common ancestor), George Fee, b. ca. 1650 in Scotland.

Subgroup (Ca) includes a McDuffie tester who is predicted to be positive for SNP CTS4466, which is known as the Munster Irish or “Irish Type II”  haplogroup, Upgrading their test results to 111 markers or the Big Y is needed in order to confirm these results.

Subgroup (Cb) includes two MacPhee testers who descend from ancestors who lived in the Lochaber area in Scotland. We recommend that one (or both) of these testers upgrade to the Big Y test in order to learn more about their patrilineal history. 

Subgroup (Cc) includes one Duffy tester with Irish origins  who is predicted to be BY9001 positive. We recommend recruiting another tester to join the project and consider upgrading to the Big Y test in order to learn more about their patrilineal history. 

Subgroup (D) is defined by SNP M222+. This large haplogroup includes many Duffy, McAfee, McDuff, Mahaffey, McPhee, McFee and Fee testers, among others. Members of these subgroups should consider Big Y testing in order to further refine their placement in the project.

Subgroup (E) project members are all part of the larger Clan Colla/425 null group. These Duffys are all of Irish origin and are believed to descend from Colla Crioch, who was one of ancient princes known as "The Three Collas." Considerable progress has been made by project members in this branch through Big Y and individual SNP testing. There are currently nineteen branches of Duffys within this subgroup. Individual SNP testing or Big Y700 testing is required to discover which branch you descend from.

Subgroup (F) includes several Duffys of Irish origin, of which two of whom have tested down to the terminal SNP BY161127. Big Y testing by more group members is needed to verify their terminal SNP, and expand this branch of the phylogenetic tree.

Subgroup (Gb) includes two Duff testers with unknown origins. Big Y testing by these project members is needed to verify their terminal SNP, and expand this branch of the phylogenetic tree.

Subgroup (Gd) includes one Cathey tester whose terminal SNP has been identified as FT200193. Recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match to join the project is recommended.

Subgroups (Ia-Ii) include several project members who are confirmed to be DF41 positive. Subgroup (Ic) includes several Duffy testers who share a common ancestor who was born ca. 1500 CE in Ireland. Project members in subgroups Ia, If, and Ii are encouraged to recruit a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (J05) includes a McFie tester whose terminal SNP is currently BY35676. We recommend that they recruit a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (J10) consists of multiple Cameron testers who share a pre-surname common ancestor with the Lochaber and Glen Urquhart MacPhees.

Subgroups (J20–J85) consist of multiple McPhee testers whose origins can be traced back to the Lochaber and Glen Urquhart regions in Scotland, and descend from a shared common ancestor who was born ca. 1400 CE. The group has made considerable progress with SNP testing through multiple Big Y tests, and has now been further subdivided into eight separate branches. If you would like to determine which branch you are on, please consider upgrading to 111 markers or the Big Y-700 test.

Subgroup (J90) consists of a single Duff tester who is believed to have originated in Ireland. We recommend recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who has your surname to join the project and consider upgrading to the Big Y test in order to learn more about their patrilineal history.

Subgroup (J95) consists of a single McAfee tester who is believed to have originated in Ireland. We recommend recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who has your surname to join the project and consider upgrading to the Big Y test in order to learn more about their patrilineal history.

Subgroup (K) includes testers who are predicted to descend from the L513 branch of the phylogenetic tree. Please consider upgrading to 111 markers or the Big Y in order to determine proper haplogroup placement within the project.

Subgroup (K2) includes testers who are predicted to descend from the BY207 subclade, which is a branch of the larger R-L513 haplogroup. Please consider upgrading to 111 markers or the Big Y in order to determine proper haplogroup placement within the project.

Subgroup (K2c) includes two testers who are predicted to descend from the Z17816 haplogroup, which is a branch of the larger L193/S5982 haplogroup. Please consider upgrading to 111 markers or the Big Y in order to determine proper haplogroup placement within the project.

Subgroup (K2f) includes two Duff testers whose terminal SNP is FT109486, and descend from a common ancestor born ca. 1450 CE in Perthshire, Scotland.

Subgroup (K2i) includes two McIntosh testers whose terminal SNP is BY63399, and descend from a common ancestor born ca. 1400 CE in Perthshire, Scotland.

Subgroup (K2m) includes a McPhee tester whose current terminal SNP is Z17815, which is associated with the chiefly lineage of Clan MacLean.

Subgroup (K4d) includes a Duff tester whose paternal origin is from Ireland, and whose terminal SNP is currently FT53502. We recommend recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who has your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (K6) includes a Craig tester who appears to be closely related to the testers in Subgroups (K6c–K6i). We recommend recruiting a distant cousin to join the project.

Subgroups (K6c–K6i) include a number of McAfee and MacDuffee testers, of which several of whom have undergone Big Y testing. Their most recent common ancestor is estimated to have been born ca. 1650 CE, likely in Northern Ireland. Big Y testing by the remaining STR only tested project members will help to further refine this subclade. 

Subgroup (M) is part of a larger haplogroup known as the Scots Cluster (SNP L1335), and is composed of members who have only tested at a low STR level and cannot be reliably placed in a subclade. Please consider upgrading to 37 or 111 markers, or upgrading to the Big Y test.

Subgroup (M2a) consists of several McDuffie, McAfee, and McPhee testers who are predicted to be FGC10125 positive, and likely descend from SNP BY91398, which is closely related to the modal haplotype of Clan Campbell and may represent the "Chiefly Line" of Clan MacFie. In order to confirm these results and be placed in a proper subclade these testers will need to upgrade to the Big Y test.

Subgroup (M2d) consists of several closely related McDuffie testers who are also predicted to be FGC10125 positive, and likely descend from SNP BY91398, which is closely related to the modal haplotype of Clan Campbell and may represent the "Chiefly Line" of Clan MacFie. In order to confirm these results and be placed in a proper subclade these testers will need to upgrade to the Big Y test.

Subgroups (M2g–M2u) consist of several McAfee and McDuffie testers who have upgraded to the Big Y and have confirmed their descent from SNP BY91398, which is believed to represent the progenitor of the MacDuffie/MacFie family who lived on the isles of Colonsay and Oransay and are believed to represent the "Chiefly Line" of Clan MacFie.

Subgroup (M4) consists of two Cathey testers whose most recent common ancestor is believed to have been born ca. 1650 CE in Scotland. Please consider recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA matches who share your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (M6) includes one McPhee tester who is predicted to be FT421178 positive. Please consider recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA matches who share your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (M6c) includes one MacPhie tester who is predicted to be FGC28995 positive. In order to confirm these results please consider upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting distant cousins or Y-DNA matches who share your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (M6F) includes three Mac/McPhee testers, two of whom have Big Y results which confirms their terminal haplogroup of R-FT380572. All three of these testers descend from a most recent common ancestor who lived ca. 1500 CE, probably in Scotland.

Subgroups (M6i–M6o) consists of four testers, three of whom have Big Y results which confirms their terminal haplogroup of R-FT86742 and R-FTC15711. If the fourth tester upgrades as well, it’s possible that his Big Y results will add a new branch or possibly extend an existing branch closer to the present day. Currently, all four testers’ most recent common ancestor (R-FT86742) is estimated to have been born ca. 1500 CE, and the two downstream testers’ most recent common ancestor is estimated to have been born ca. 1700 CE.

Subgroup (Nc) includes one McAfee tester with unknown patrilineal origins. We recommend upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (Ne) includes several testers, one of whom has taken the Big Y and confirmed his terminal haplogroup of R-BY7779. This subgroup includes four McAfee testers, and is closely related to the Clan MacFarland modal haplotype. All of these testers appear to descend from a most recent common ancestor who was born ca. 1800 CE, possibly in the United States or Scotland. Big Y testing by the other project members is recommended in order to further refine this subclade.

Subgroup (Pb) includes two McFee testers who are predicted to be SNP U152+. Please consider upgrading to the Big Y and joining the R-U152 Haplogroup project.

Subgroup (Pd) includes one McAfee tester with origins in the United States. We recommend upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroups (Pf–Px) are SNP DF27+ and consists of several testers with a variety of McDuffie type and non-McDuffie type surnames. In order to make further progress please consider upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroups (Qb–Qj) are predicted to be SNP U106+, and includes several testers with a variety of McDuff type and McDuffie type surnames. In order to make further progress please consider upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (S) consists of a single McDuffie tester who is predicted to descend from the E-M2 haplogroup, which is believed to be of African origin. In order to make further progress please consider upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subgroup (T) includes two McGaffey testers, one of whom has Big Y tested and has a confirmed terminal haplogroup of R-FTD63059, which is a downstream subclade of the G-M201 (Neolithic) haplogroup. If the non-Big Y tester also upgrades, their results will create a new branch and bring their terminal haplogroup closer to the present day.

Subgroups (Uc-Ug) belong to the I-M223 (Pre-R1b European) haplogroup, which is rare for this surname project. Big Y700 testing will be needed by both subgroup members in order to further refine this branch of the phylogenetic tree.

Subgroups (Vc and Ve) contain four McHaffie testers who belong to the I-P37/I2a haplogroup, which is rare for this surname project. In order to further refine these results this subgroup would benefit from additional Big Y testing.

Subgroups (Wc–Wq) descend from the I-M253 (Scandinavian) haplogroup and consists of several testers with a variety of McDuffie type and non-McDuffie type surnames. For project members in subclades Wc and Wf, please consider upgrading to the Big Y and recruiting a distant cousin or Y-DNA match who shares your surname to join the project.

Subclade (Wj) consists of two McPhee testers whose terminal SNP is predicted to be FT46957. Big Y700 testing by both of these project members is needed in order to further refine this branch of the phylogenetic tree and bring their terminal SNP down into the genealogical era.

Subclade (Wn) consists of two Moon and three McAfee testers and are defined by the terminal SNP Y15505. Big Y700 testing will be needed by several of these project members in order to further refine this branch of the phylogenetic tree and bring their terminal SNP down into the genealogical era.

Please remember, project members whose haplogroup names are green are confirmed, and those whose haplogroup names are red are predicted. However, even if you have not undergone any type of SNP testing, we may have assigned you a predicted haplogroup assignment based solely on your STR results. In order to confirm your results, you will need to upgrade to the Big Y test or undergo individual SNP testing.

If you do not have any close Y-DNA matches at all in the database, then please consider recruiting a distant family member to test and join the project. The more distant the genealogical relationship the better, 3rd, 4th or 5th cousins would be ideal.

If you have any questions about your placement in the project, your matches, or Y-DNA testing in general please contact the project administrators.