Welcome to the McQuillan DNA Project
The McQuillan DNA project started informally in February 2006 after discussions between
a few McQuillan researchers about whether DNA could cast light on the controversial question
of the clan's origins, and assist in extending traditional genealogies. Growth of the project since that time has led us to create this website to publicize our study, report our ongoing findings, and offer other McQuillans an opportunity to participate. In addition to the most obvious surname variations (McQuillen, MacQuillan, MacQuillin and McQuillin), the project also includes a variety of other related surnames.
The information on this site is intended provide a basic introduction
to the project, its objectives and methodology. Answers to some
common questions are given on a separate page, and
there are also some useful links to more detailed information about DNA and its uses for genealogy and family studies. Finally, please feel free to email our DNA project administrator with any other questions concerning the project.
Project Objectives
The project seeks to use Y-DNA testing,
both alone and in conjunction with traditional paper genealogy, to:
- Determine which McQuillan lines are closely related to one another.
Given the difficulties in Irish family research, this could help many in providing a way
to assist paper genealogy, through facilitating the sharing of leads and focusing of cooperative research on related lines, by testing findings and assumptions made through traditional genealogy research, and by linking emigrant lines with McQuillan families still in Ireland.
- Shed new light on the origins and history of the McQuillans. There is currently a broad range of historical theories about the origins of the clan, from
claims of native Irish origin, of descent from the Norman de Mandevilles or of descent from 13th century Cambro-Norman or Scots mercenaries. There is also the strong possibility that the surname as found has multiple origins. DNA can also confirm whether some Cullens, MacWilliams, Quillens and others are really descended from earlier McQuillans.
- Explore the deep ethnographic origins of the McQuillans over the thousands of years before the emergence of surnames.
Next Page: Methodology >
