The purpose of the Payne Surname Project is to develop a data base of Y-DNA markers that will help identify our living relatives and direct us to our ancient ancestors. If you're a male Payne (or one of the Payne variants), the best way to contribute to this project is to take a Y-DNA test, preferably Y37 or greater. You won't learn much about your Payne origins without a good Y-DNA test. Science has provided us with a way to trace our ancestry. The process relies upon comparing DNA of as many people as possible. It will take many more Payne’s DNA samples to provide the base needed to answer all those pesky questions about our Payne history. Your participation will add to our understanding. I hope you will encourage others, especially those with our surname, to join us in this exciting adventure into exploration of our common history.