Y-DNA — Paternal Line
The Y-chromosome is passed exclusively from father to son for millennia, virtually unchanged. By analysing Y-DNA, you reveal your direct paternal line — literally the male genealogy of your family. The result is assignment to a haplogroup mapping your ancestors' journey across Europe.
Order Y PRO TestY-DNA Haplogroup Distribution in Europe
Major European Haplogroups
The four most common Y-DNA haplogroups in Europe and their historical populations.
R1b — Celts and Germanic Peoples
The most widespread haplogroup in Western Europe. Associated with Celtic and Germanic tribes. Dominant in France, Britain, Ireland, Spain and western Germany.
R1a — Slavs
Dominant haplogroup in Central and Eastern Europe. Associated with Slavic and Indo-European migrations. Highest frequency in Poland, Russia and Ukraine.
I — Scandinavians
The oldest European haplogroup. Associated with Nordic and Germanic populations. Highest frequency in Scandinavia, the Balkans and Sardinia.
E — Mediterranean
A haplogroup with roots in Africa, widespread across the Mediterranean. Highest frequency in North Africa, Greece, Italy and the Balkans.
Y-DNA Haplogroup Distribution in Europe
Y-DNA Haplogroup Distribution in Europe
R1b · R1a · I · E
Who Can Take This Test
The Y-DNA test requires a male DNA sample, as only men carry the Y-chromosome. Women who wish to learn about their family's paternal line can order the test and have a male relative provide the sample — their father, brother, uncle or cousin.
Discover Your Paternal Line
Order the Y PRO test and find out which haplogroup you belong to.
Order Y PRO