The first 2 testers matched showing an unexpected family connection. Subsequent testing of more distant relatives from each line showed a perfect 25/25 match allowing us to establish a "model" for this line and a theoretical common ancestor. We then found a scenario that matched the theory with a strong indication that it is correct. If so we have advanced our information to approximately 1550.

Several other testers have show Shankland to also be an independent name appearing in more than one unrelated family.

With a few exceptions Shanklin was considered a separate family But DNA testing has proven that not to be the case. We have a strong indication that Shanklin is a derivation of Shankland occurring in Northern Ireland in the 1600's,