About the Project
Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing to support traditional genealogical research. Y-DNA test results can accurately demonstrate whether or not two male individuals have a recent common ancestor along their direct paternal lines. This is called the most recent common ancestor (MRCA). The results can also be used to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) as a probability distribution.
The primary goals of the Dennis Surname DNA project are:
1. To help Dennis descendants determine and confirm the Dennis family line to which they belong, and to help them connect with other Dennis descendants from the same line.
2. To discover possible genetic and genealogical connections between the known Dennis lines in the United States and those in Canada and abroad, particularly, those in Western Europe.
3. To discover possible genetic and genealogical connections between the Dennis surname and similar variant surnames (Denis, Tennis, Tennison, etc.).
Who is Eligible to Join?
The DNA test that we use for the project is a Y-chromosome DNA test. Therefore, only males with the Dennis surname, or a similar variant (Denis, Tennis, Tennison, etc.), are eligible to join the project. Dennis descendants who are female, or non-Dennis males, can still participate in the project by locating a male Dennis relative (father, brother, uncle, cousin, etc.) and sponsoring them as a project participant. If you have any questions regarding eligibility or sponsorship, please contact the project administrator.
Why Join the Project?
The obvious benefit is that your test results can help determine and verify the Dennis line from which you are descended, but the same results can also show the Dennis lines to which you are NOT closely related. This is equally important as it can limit the names and places that you need to research. Y-DNA testing is especially valuable to those Dennis males who are of an unknown direct paternal lineage, and can be an incredibly useful starting point for your research.
Test Options and Cost
As a member of the Dennis DNA Surname Project, you receive a discount off the regular cost of testing. There are 4 different Y-DNA tests available from FTDNA that can be used in conjunction with the project. Testing more markers will yield more precise information about where you fit into the larger, worldwide Dennis family. The recommended test is the Y-DNA37.
| Test | Description & Cost |
| Y-DNA12 |
The 12-marker test is the lowest resolution Y-DNA test that FTDNA offers. It is not particularly useful for genealogical purposes, as you will potentially have a large number of insignificant matches.
$103 ($99 + $4 S&H)
|
| Y-DNA25 |
The 25-marker test is more useful for genealogical purposes as the additional markers decrease the possibility of an insignificant match.
$128 ($124 + $4 S&H)
|
| Y-DNA37 |
The 37-marker test is the recommended test for participation in the project. A close genetic match at this level suggest a common male ancestor within a recent time period.
$153 ($149 + $4 S&H)
|
| Y-DNA67 |
The 67-marker test is highest resolution Y-DNA test that FTDNA currently offers. It is useful for narrowing down the particular branch of a lineage to which a participant belongs.
$243 ($239 + $4 S&H)
|
Disclaimer, Conditions, and Agreement
The Dennis Surname DNA Project has no commercial affiliation with any profit making organization and receives no compensation for services or expenses involved with the project. All funds are payable only and directly to FTDNA. The Dennis Surname DNA Project will not be the recipient nor steward of any DNA samples and has no responsibility for their care, handling or return to the participant, nor duty to act on behalf of the participant in mediation of any dispute between the participant and the FTDNA. While a match between two participants may indicate that they share a common male ancestor, it will not identify the specific ancestor and there is no guarantee that every participant will match another participant. By participation in the project, the participant agrees to all conditions of the project.
