Discovering the Roots of my German, Dutch, and Jewish Ancestry Through iGENEA DNA: The Historical Journey of the Appel Surname
Family name Appel
Taking a deep dive into my past and heritage, my iGENEA DNA test unveiled fascinating cultural and historical contexts that have breathed life into my identity. In tracing the origins and history of my surname, Appel, I discovered an enthralling array of roots across German, Dutch and Jewish cultures, all woven intricately together, providing a vivid tapestry of my ancient lineage.
Peeling layers of time through my iGENEA DNA test, I have discovered a rich tapestry of cultural and historical revelations anchored to my surname, Appel. Starting from my base roots to the branching tributaries of my genetic heritage, this journey has led me to points across the globe, infusing context into my identity.
"Appel" is a surname of German origin, primarily hailing from West Germany. It literally translates to “apple” in English. Throughout history, surnames frequently derived from a person's profession or the geographical location. In my case, it possibly points to my ancestors being apple growers or living in regions abundant with apple orchards. However, it's not confined merely to Germany. It has alternative roots in Dutch and Jewish (Ashkenazic) cultures that reflect diverse historical narratives.
While tracing the history of the Appel surname, I learned about my Jewish ancestors who assumed this surname during the compulsory naming period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They chose the name Apple instead of fruit-related surnames since it symbolize religious significance on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The movement of the Appels from Germany to other parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands, is evident from the historical records. The test results depict a clear story of migration, likely due to various socio-economic or geopolitical factors of their times.
Through my iGENEA DNA test, a significant portion of my genetic makeup has been traced to Western Europe. Here, the confluence of Germanic and Dutch cultures is evident, providing insight into my lineage's diversity.
My DNA test has given me an insight into a smorgasbord of cultural imprints and historical events that have shaped my bloodline. It's been a fascinating journey to see my present linked to a past resonating with tales from different eras and cultures offering me a more profound understanding of my roots.
R. Appel