Home

Most Frequently Asked Questions

We receive many emails each day, and many of the queries are very similar.  We have compiled a Q & A below that answers the most commonly asked questions.  Scroll down and see if you can find your question.  If not, send us an email



I can't register.

Go to www.worldfamilies.net
Under the login button, click on "Create new account" 
It will bring up a new screen that will have a box that says:  "Register - Required Information" . 
You can choose any username and password you would like. If you want to hide your email from the public on the website, click on the box next to the blank for your email address. 
Do a "visual verification" by typing the scrambled letters you see. 
Read the usage agreement below it, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the square by "I agree". 
Click on "Register" below that.  You are now registered. 
Make a note of the username and password you chose in case you forget it the next time you visit the forum.

After you have registered, you can click on “Track Project” at the project website, and a link to the project website will appear each time you return to www.worldfamilies.net and log in.  You can track several projects.



I can't post my pedigree.

Log in. 
Search for "your surname"
Go to your surname project’s website.
Click on “Pedigrees”
Scroll down to the last posting on the pedigree forum.
Find "reply" tab near the bottom right-hand corner.
Click "Reply"
Post your pedigree (or message) in the big white box
Click "Post"
Please take a look at this page for more information on posting your pedigree:  http://worldfamilies.net/postpedigree

I've registered before, but now I can't log in.

Go to www.worldfamilies.net  
Click on the “Request new password” link right under the log-in box. 
Follow the instructions to receive an email to reset your password.
If you have changed your email address since you registered, you may not be able to receive the email.  In that case, email us with your user name and we can reset your password for you.

After you have logged in, you can click on “Track Project” at the project website, and a link to the project website will appear each time you return to www.worldfamilies.net and log in.  You can track several projects.

How do I find my surname project on your website?

You can find a surname project in two ways: 
1.  Type the surname in the search box in the upper left hand corner of any page.  When the lsearch results comes up, click on the World Families Project site.
2.  Go to the Surname Projects page by clicking on the link in the navigation bar on the top of the page and search the alphabetical list for the project's World Families site.

You can provide a quick link to the project's website each time you return to the site if you will log in, go to the project's website, click the "Track project" button.  Then each time you log in to the World Families website, a link to your project will appear.   You can track several projects.

How do I order a test?

1.  Go to your project's website and click the "Join Project" link.  That will take your directly to the project's order page at FTDNAi.
2.  Go to your project's website and click the "Order Test" link.  That will take you to a page with information about ordering a test, and a link to take you to the project's order page at FTDNA.
3.  Click the "Order test" link on any page of the website.  You can type in the surname project you want to order through, and it will take you to that project's order page at FTDNA


Will this surname project and/or DNA testing help me?

Anyone who is interested in confirming their surname ancestry should consider DNA testing. Sooner or later, in researching a family tree, we all get to the point where the paper records become scarce to non-existent.  DNA testing may be just the thing to help to break down some of those “brick walls”. By using the results of DNA testing, along with other information and family pedigrees, participants can identify those with whom they share a common ancestor. While no one can guarantee you a match that will lead back up your family tree, more and more people are finding a match as the database expands.

A male can represent himself and his surname family by taking a yDNA test, while a female will need to arrange for a male relative to represent her and her family.  Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, so a male will have the same yDNA as his father, who got it from his father…all the way back.  A female does not carry yDNA, but she can post a pedigree and arrange to have a male family member represent her family line. 

The other DNA test used for genealogy is the mtDNA test. Mitochondrial DNAi (mtDNA) looks at the DNA that either a man or woman inherits from the mother's side.  This represents the mother’s mother’s…mother’s line.  The mitochondria result is compared to see if they share a common female ancestor.  Either a male or female can take this test.  mtDNA tests the deep maternal ancestry (think 1000s of years)  A mother passes her mtDNA to her children, but only females can pass it on.  By testing, you learn your haplogroupi – which tells you which "branch of woman" you descend from on your maternal side.Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.  Ordering through the project automatically makes you a member of the project.

Please take the time to look over the project website and to post your pedigree on the Pedigree Forum (you do not have to be tested to post your pedigree).  We encourage everyone who tests to also post their pedigree, so that participants can compare pedigrees as well as test results.  Click on "Pedigrees" on the right in the light gray menu bar at the top of the page to post your pedigree.  You will need to register to post on the pedigree forum, but you do not need to be registered to view any page of the website.  Help for posting your pedigree:  http://worldfamilies.net/postpedigree.html 

After you have registered, you can click on “Track Project” at the project website, and a link to the project website will appear each time you return to www.worldfamilies.net and log in.  You can track several projects.

Here are some web pages with some good information for you:

Our home page, with lots of DNA and project information: http://worldfamilies.net/
Answers to many of your questions: http://www.worldfamilies.net/faqs.html
DNA Testing the Smart Way: http://worldfamilies.net/smart.html 
Help in choosing the right test:  http://worldfamilies.net/choosetest.html

 

Which yDNA test should I order?

o        If you are trying to match to a different surname without a paper trail - I always recommend 37 markers as a minimum.   67 will be better if the persons you are matching are also tested at 67.

o        If you know the surname you should match, you can probably “get by” with 25 markers, but many folks want (and sometimes need) 37 or 67 to get the clearer insight.

o        If you are only interested in your "deep ancestry" (haplotypei) or in proving that you don't share a common ancestor with a specific family, 12 markers are adequate.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->o        The only time we see 12 markers being sufficient as a positive match is when the paper trail connection is solid.

o        I also tell folks that if they are serious about their genealogy - that they will end up with at least 37 markers – and very probably wind up at 67. 

You can go in steps, upgrading a bit at a time - or buy the markers all at once (which saves you waiting time – and a few $$ on 37or 67 markers).  Prices: 

12 markers $99
25 markers $148
37 markers $189
67 markers $269 

There is a $2 s/h charge for domestic orders and a $4 charge for international orders.  Upgrades (using the original samples) from one test level to the next are $49.  (37 to 67 is a two step increase and is $99)

Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.  Ordering through the project automatically makes you a member of the project.

Which mtDNA test should I order?

If you are seeking information on your deep ancestry (1000s and 10,000s of years ago) the mtDNA test is sufficient.  (This test is sometimes called HVR1) <!--[endif]-->

If you wish to use your mtDNA result to confirm a maternal ancestry (you and another person share a common maternal ancestor) then you will gain by taking the mtDNA Plus test (This test is sometimes called HVR1 + HVR2) 

If you wish to test your entire mtDNA sequence, then you’ll want the mtDNA Full Sequence test.   (FTDNA calls this test “Mega”)  FTDNA suggests this for anyone who doesn’t wish to be upgrading when they need more info – as this will give you the entire sequence. 

You can go in steps, upgrading each time – or buy the entire sequence at once.  Prices: 

mtDNA                         $129

mtDNA Plus                 $189

mtDNA Full Sequence  $495 

An upgrade from mtDNA to mtDNA Plus is $75 and the upgrade from mtDNA to Mega is $460, while the upgrade from mtDNA Plus to Mega is $450.

I haven’t been tested yet.  How do I join the project?

If you have not been tested, order your test through the project (which will automatically make you a member of the project).  Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.

Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.  Ordering through the project automatically makes you a member of the project.

How do I order a test for someone else?

    • If you want the kit sent directly to the person being tested, list their address.
    • If you want the kit sent to you, list their name and then put c/o (your name) in the first address box and your regular mailing address, beginning with the second address box.)
    • Put your email address in the first position, as this is how you will know what is happening. (Be sure the person you sponsor includes your email address if they place the order)
    • You can list the person your sponsor's email address as the additional address
    • If you have someone who is terribly concerned about their privacy, you can list your own name in the order or you can list the name of their earliest ancestor. (When the kit isn’t in the tester's name or address, they aren’t associated with the sample other than through your knowledge.)
  • If you want the kit sent to the person being tested, but the certificate sent to you, use this two step method:
    • Set up the order with their name and mailing address
    • After the sample is returned and you are given the password to access their personal page at FTDNA, leave their name, but change the mailing address to c/o you and your address

Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.  Ordering through the project automatically makes you a member of the project.

How can I find a male to test for my surname of interest?

A male can represent himself and his surname family by taking a yDNA test, while a female will need to arrange for a male relative to represent her and her family.  A male researching a line that is not his direct paternal line will also need to find a male from than line to test.

Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, so a male will have the same yDNA as his father, who got it from his father…all the way back.  A female does not carry yDNA, but she can post a pedigree and arrange to have a male family member represent her family line. 

Some researchers have been successful in finding a male to test for their line by going back up the family tree and down again to find a living male who shares a x-grandfather and carries the surname to be tested.  For example:

Did your father have brothers?  Did they have sons?  Did their sons have sons?

Did your grandfather have brothers?  Did they have sons?  Did their sons have sons?

Did your great-grandfather ... Did your gg-grandfather ... etc

Any one of the men you find with the above questions can represent your family with a yDNA (surname) test.

Persons testing yDNA for Surname research at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) should test through a project, as the cost is $50 to $80 less than testing as an individual.  Ordering through the project automatically makes you a member of the project.

How do I trace my Native American Ancestry?

The haplogroup will give you an idea of the migrations of your ancestral family from earliest times and can confirm Native American ancestry. 

In order to test for Native American ancestry, you will need to have just the right connection between the ancestor you believe was Native American and the person being tested. 

For a female Native American ancestor, you will use the mtDNA test.  You will need to locate a person whose mother's mother's ... mother is the targeted Native American.  If there is any male in the direct line between the person being tested and this ancestor, you will be testing some other ancestor's mtDNA and will not get what you seek.  mtDNA is passed from a mother to her children.  Men carry their mother's mtDNA, but cannot pass it on. 

For a male Native American ancestor, you will use the yDNA test.  You will need to locate a man whose father's father's ... father is the targeted Native American.  If there is any female in the direct line between the man being tested and this ancestor, you will be testing some other ancestor's yDNA and will not get what you seek.  yDNA is passed from a father to his sons. Women do not carry yDNA at all.

Here is a link to Family Tree's page on Native American Ancestry         http://www.familytreedna.com/cj.asp?ftdna_ref=118&html=ngene.html


How do I trace my Jewish Ancestry?

The haplogroup will give you an idea of the migrations of your ancestral family from earliest  times and can confirm Jewish ancestry. 

In order to test for Jewish ancestry, you will need to have just the right connection between the ancestor you believe was Jewish and the person being tested.  As the Jewish tradition is handed down through the mother, you would first consider the mtDNA test, which tests your mother's mother's ... mother's maternal ancestry.   

For a male Jewish ancestor, you will use the yDNA test.  If there is any female in the direct line between the man being tested and this Jewish ancestor, you will be testing some other ancestor's yDNA and will not get what you seek.  yDNA is passed from a father to his sons. 

Here is a link to FTDNA's page on Jewish ancestry:  http://www.familytreedna.com/cj.asp?ftdna_ref=118&html=jgene.html

I lost my test kit.  What do I do?

You can call (713) 868-1438 or email nickm@familytreedna.com FTDNA and explain the problem to them.  They will send you a new test kit at no charge.  


I've already been tested at Family Tree DNA.  How di I join this project?

Go to Family Tree DNA http://www.familytreedna.com/ and sign in using the kit number and password that they gave you.
In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button.

Select the surname of the project you wish to join.

Then select a second gray join button which is lower on the page. 

When you have joined the project, the Project Administrator will be notified by FTDNA, and your results will be available for posting on the Project's Results Page.

 

Or, you can email FTDNA and ask them to transfer you into the project: http://www.familytreedna.com/contact.html


I tested for the National Geographic Genographic Project.  How do I transfer my results and join the project?

You can transfer yourself, your results and your retained sample to Family Tree DNA.

 Go to your National Geographic Genographic Project page.

Log in using your kit number.

On the next page, click on "I acknowledge".

On the next page, scroll all the way down to the bottom.  You will see "learn more" in small blue letters near the bottom of the page.  Click on it.

Check "I agree".

Fill out the FTDNA form "Adding Your Record to FTDNA" and click "Continue"

You should be able to finish it from there.

Once you have been transferred into FamilyTreeDNA, you will be given access to a "personal page". 

In your FTDNA page is a blue button labeled "join". 

Click on that button, then select the surname, then select a second gray join button      which is lower on the page. 

Or, you can call or email FTDNA and ask them to transfer you into the project (713) 868-1438 or http://www.familytreedna.com/contact.html

 

When you have joined the project, the Project Administrator will be notified by FTDNA,  and your results will be available for posting on the Project's Results Page.

Once in the project, you'll benefit by upgrading your yDNA test, as 12 markers is mainly useful for haplogroup and deep ancestry.  FTDNA will use your sample that was collected by NGGPi, as it will be transferred with you.  FTDNA says that they will be able to retain it for 25 years and that they can run many future tests from it.  You'll want at least 25 to 37 yDNA markers for your genealogical work. 

I tested at another company.  Will you post my results on the project website?
This is up to the project administrator who is posting the results for the project.  When World Families is posting the results for the project,  we will be happy to post your results if you will place them in the table we send you.  We also request you submit your earliest known ancestor.  You might also want to take advantage of the reduced prices FTDNA offers for re-testing for those who have been tested elsewhere.



I took the mtDNA test.  Can I join the project?

You are very welcome to participate in a surname project.  Please be aware, however, that almost everything we do at present in a surname DNA project is focused on the yDNA test results, as yDNA and the family surname is passed from father to son.  Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, so a male will have the same yDNA as his father, who got it from his father…all the way back.  A female does not carry yDNA, but she can post a pedigree and arrange to have a male family member represent her family line.. (To learn more about finding a male to represent your family line:  http://www.worldfamilies.net/choosetest)

We hope the mtDNA results will become more useful in genealogy as the database grows. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) looks at the DNA that either a man or woman inherits from the mother's side.  This represents the mother’s mother’s…mother’s line.  The mitochondria result is compared to see if they share a common female ancestor.  Either a male or female can take this test.  mtDNA tests the deep maternal ancestry (think 1000s of years)  A mother passes her mtDNA to her children, but only females can pass it on.  By testing, you learn your haplogroup – which tells you which "branch of woman" you descend from on your maternal side. <!--[endif]-->

In addition, many projects are beginning to post mtDNA results on the project website.  There are also a number of mtDNA haplogroup projects being formed, and I would encourage you to join if there is a group for your haplogroup.  For more information:  http://www.worldfamilies.net/reference_mtDNA 
Please take the time to post your pedigree on the Pedigree Forum (you do not have to be tested to post your pedigree).


Can I take the yDNA test for my mother's line?

A yDNA test is only useful for tracing the males in a direct line.  For example, your yDNA would represent the line of you, your father, his father, his father's father...all the way back.  So any male you test using the yDNA test will only represent his direct male line, with no females in the direct line, since females do not pass on yDNA.  So, if you are trying to trace your Great-Grandmother Z, you would need to find a male who would carry the same yDNA as her father (your Great-Grandmother did not have yDNA from her father, and couldn't pass it on.)  So you would look first to see if she had a brother (as a male, he would have the same yDNA as her father).  Then you look at the family tree to see if he had a son to pass the yDNA along to, then that son would need a son to pass it along to...all the way to a living male.  If your Great-Grandmother did not have a brother, or he does not have a living male descendent, you can further up the family tree to find someone to represent her father's yDNA.  So you would look to see if her father had a brother.  Then you'd look for a direct male line (usually the surname line, as well) to a living descendent who could be yDNA tested for that line.  Some people have been successful by going up as many as 5 generations and then coming back down to find a living male to test


I was adopted.  Can DNA testing help me?

As the database on those who have been DNA-tested is growing so rapidly, your chance of finding the surname group you match is growing quickly as well.  FTDNA has set up a project just for adoptees.  Once you are tested, here are some things you can do to make the most of your search:

1.  Set your "personal page" so that your test results are compared to the entire database.  This option is shown on the "user preferences" page.  This will allow you to compare to everyone who has opted into the FTDNA database.

2.  Upload your results to Ysearch, which is the database which allows anyone to upload his DNA results, no matter which testing company was used.  This will allow you to compare to a larger group.  To upload to Ysearch, go to your "personal page" at FTDNA and click on "Y-DNA Matches".  The blue-boxed information will provide you with a link to Ysearch. 

3.  There is another public database at www.ybase.org where you can setup an account and compare to others registered there.  Many results are in both Ysearch and Ybase, but it is worth checking at both.

4.  Consider an upgrade.  37 markers is considered a minimum for matching across surnames, and some say you should test at 67 markers to confirm matches across surnames.

5.  Once you have a very close match across surnames, contact the men you are matching and ask them to share paper trails with you.