Flanagan Surname DNA Project
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Participate in the FLANAGAN DNA PROJECT AT FAMILY TREE DNA
The Flanagan Surname DNA project began after I decided to submit my DNA to Family Tree DNA for y chromosome analysis. Motivated by a desire to know how various Flanagan families are connected and, in particular, where my line falls within that. The surname Flanagan and its' variants [Gaelic O'Flannagain] derive from the word flann meaning "red" - most sources suggest that it means "red-headed" though some suggest that it refers to a ruddy complexion. Flanagan is one of the more common Irish names and occurs throughout the country with lines in Roscommon, Fermanagh, Cork, and other counties. Just as in Ireland, the Flanagan surname outside Ireland has many lines and origins, with the name first appearing in the Americas during the colonial period. My ancester, John Flanagan [born about 1768, died 1857] came to Kentucky from North Carolina, where sources indicate that he was born, around 1800 and is currently one of my many "brick walls" in going further back. His death record indicates that his father's name was Bryant Flanagan, though I do not know if that is accurate. That desire to learn how we all fit together and to possibly some day learn where and from which lines we originated in Ireland motivated me to pursue DNA as a potential source of information and then to initiate this project at FTDNA. My personal account can be viewed here.
As of November 10, 2003 we have five participants including myself, with four results back and another expected in approximately a week, and at this point we have approximately 4 distinct haplotypes [patterns]. The haplotypes that have been identified thus far can be seen here. Although my personal goal is to identify lines in Kentucky and which migrated from other states to Kentucky and lines in Ireland, anyone with the surname Flanagan is encouraged to participate in the project. As my ability permits, I am willing to sponsor some 12-marker tests for individuals with lines that are pertinent to Kentucky Flanagan lines, who can document their origins in Ireland, or who are resident in Ireland.