Why Do My Mother and Dad Share DNA Matches?

When exploring your ancestry pages, you might encounter a situation where a DNA match is connected to both your mother and father's family line. This article will help you understand possible explanations for this and provide steps to investigate this intriguing situation further.

Understanding Shared Ancestry

Given that both your parents hail from Lancashire and Cheshire, it is quite probable that they share common ancestors within their family lines. In regions like these, where smaller populations and close familial proximity are common, it's natural for individuals to share ancestry.

The Role of Cousin Relationships

The person you're matching with might be a cousin of both your mother and father. A perfect example of this is if one of your grandparents had siblings, your great-aunts or great-uncles, and the descendants of these siblings could appear as matches on both sides of your family tree.

Considering Endogamy

Endogamy, the practice of marrying within a specific social group, is more common in smaller or more isolated communities. This can lead to shared DNA across multiple family lines. In some cases, DNA matches can indicate connections to both sides of a family due to endogamous practices.

Interpreting High Centimorgan Values

The amount of shared DNA, measured in centimorgans, suggests the closeness of the relationship. If the matches you're seeing show high centimorgan values with you, it likely indicates a closer relationship, such as a first or second cousin.

Testing Errors or Overlaps

Even with modern DNA testing, there can be overlaps or errors in matching, especially if multiple family members have tested. It's essential to check the specific family trees of the matches to see where they connect with your family history.

Investigating Shared Matches

To clarify the relationship, you can investigate shared matches. Looking at the family trees of your shared matches can help you identify common ancestors. Utilizing the tools provided by DNA testing companies can also aid in analyzing shared DNA relationships and potential common ancestors.

Building Your Family Tree

Documenting your family tree and examining where it intersects with that of your matches can provide valuable insights. Many DNA testing platforms offer tools to explore shared DNA relationships and trace potential common ancestors.

Conclusion

Understanding why you and your mother share ancestry DNA matches linked to your father's family can be complex. However, by investigating shared matches and building your family tree, you can uncover the nuances of your family's shared history. If you gather more information, you might be able to pinpoint how this individual connects to both sides of your family!