Thorbjorn
Thorr vigi
- Messages
- 43
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 0
- Location
- NJ @ the shore
- Ethnic group
- European-American, mostly Italian & Sicilian
- Y-DNA haplogroup
- T1a1a
- mtDNA haplogroup
- HV4a
First, I'd like to say hello, and am amazed at this site. I came across it by some searches on my name, and trying to discover my family and genetic history. One thing led to another and here I am.
My family has been trying to research our ancestry. My maternal grandparents came from southern Italy (Maddaloni in Caserta). My paternal grandparents came from Collesano in Sicily. Unfortunately, my family can't get any records on my paternal side before my grandparents; there isn't much on my maternal side either. However, my family and I have reason to suspect that we have Norse, or other northern European background. I am planning to do a DNA test, probably 23andme. I am only interested in finding out where we actually come from, not finding relatives. I already have too many.
My suspicions are based on our physical appearance and our surname: Dispenza. I am aware of the Norman knight Robert le Dispenser, that it was an occupational title, and that the Normans were Norse. I know that our name is cognate with Spencer, though I can't swear to the truth of the Robert le Dispenser story. I know that Sicily was invaded and held by the Normans. I think somehow the name le Dispenser was transformed into an Italian version.
We tend to be short and stocky, I am barely 5'5", but rather muscular. I mention that because Scandinavians of the Viking Age were actually short and muscular, averaging 5'6". I know physical appearance is a poor indicator of origin. Among my grandparents and other relatives there were blue and brown eyes, auburn hair, red hair, blond hair (men and women). I had reddish brown hair as a boy; my two sisters have reddish brown and "dirty" blonde hair. My paternal grandfather had bright blue eyes, light complexion and hair. My father always said he had platinum blond hair as a boy.
I suppose we'll find the answer through the DNA test. I know this is a lot to ask you, but in your experiences, have you found that it would be highly (un)likely we are indeed of Norse, Norman, or other northern European decent? Of course it could be wishful thinking on my part that we are descended from an adventurous line such as the Vikings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any insight you have. And against the possibility that I am indeed of Norse descent, I sign myself...
Thorbjorn (Old Norse, 'thunder bear').
My family has been trying to research our ancestry. My maternal grandparents came from southern Italy (Maddaloni in Caserta). My paternal grandparents came from Collesano in Sicily. Unfortunately, my family can't get any records on my paternal side before my grandparents; there isn't much on my maternal side either. However, my family and I have reason to suspect that we have Norse, or other northern European background. I am planning to do a DNA test, probably 23andme. I am only interested in finding out where we actually come from, not finding relatives. I already have too many.
My suspicions are based on our physical appearance and our surname: Dispenza. I am aware of the Norman knight Robert le Dispenser, that it was an occupational title, and that the Normans were Norse. I know that our name is cognate with Spencer, though I can't swear to the truth of the Robert le Dispenser story. I know that Sicily was invaded and held by the Normans. I think somehow the name le Dispenser was transformed into an Italian version.
We tend to be short and stocky, I am barely 5'5", but rather muscular. I mention that because Scandinavians of the Viking Age were actually short and muscular, averaging 5'6". I know physical appearance is a poor indicator of origin. Among my grandparents and other relatives there were blue and brown eyes, auburn hair, red hair, blond hair (men and women). I had reddish brown hair as a boy; my two sisters have reddish brown and "dirty" blonde hair. My paternal grandfather had bright blue eyes, light complexion and hair. My father always said he had platinum blond hair as a boy.
I suppose we'll find the answer through the DNA test. I know this is a lot to ask you, but in your experiences, have you found that it would be highly (un)likely we are indeed of Norse, Norman, or other northern European decent? Of course it could be wishful thinking on my part that we are descended from an adventurous line such as the Vikings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any insight you have. And against the possibility that I am indeed of Norse descent, I sign myself...
Thorbjorn (Old Norse, 'thunder bear').