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NPE MEANING IN GENEALOGY
Non-paternity events (NPEs) can be a surprising and sometimes scandalous discovery in genealogy research.
In the past, NPEs were often kept secret and the true parentage was never revealed. However, with the advancement of DNA testing, it is now easier than ever to uncover the truth about a person’s biological ancestry. Genealogy enthusiasts and professionals use DNA testing to verify family relationships and build out their family trees with more accuracy.
NPE scenarios in the context of genetic genealogy
These include:
- Illegitimacy outside marriage: boy taking maiden name of mother.
- Infidelity within marriage: boy taking surname of mother’s husband.
- Re-marriage: boy taking surname of step-father
- Rape: boy taking surname of mother or partner.
- Changeling, surrogacy, sperm donation, unintentional embryo/baby swap: boy taking surname of mother or partner.
- Adoption, incl. ‘hidden’, orphan & foster: boy taking surname of guardian.
- Apprentice or slave: youth taking surname of master.
- Tenant or vassal: man taking surname of landlord or chief.
- Anglicisation of gaelic or foreign name: man taking translated/phonetically similar name.
- Formal name-change, e.g. to inherit land: man taking maiden name of wife or mother.
- Name-change to hide criminal past, embarrassing surname, or a stage name: man taking unrelated surname.
- Informal name-change, alias, by-name: man taking name of farm, trade or origin.
- Mistake in genealogy, or in DNA analysis
Your genetic family tree is not the same as your genealogical pedigree–and not just because of non-paternity events and adoption.
Your genetic pedigree contains only those ancestors for whom you have received some of their DNA. You do not have DNA from all of your ancestors.
In short, this DNA stuff is not a stand alone tool, but if you combine it with your traditional resources, it can be a very powerful tool for verifying and extending your family history. Remember, just because a cousin doesn’t show a match in DNA, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a genealogical connection! Genealogical research and primary sources can still prove connections even if DNA doesn’t show it.
In conclusion, NPEs are a common occurrence in genealogy research and can have a significant impact on our understanding of family history. From uncovering extramarital affairs and adoption to correcting errors in record-keeping, DNA testing has made it easier to uncover the truth about a person’s biological ancestry. Genealogists should approach NPEs with sensitivity and respect for privacy, and use DNA testing in conjunction with other forms of research to build out a more accurate family tree.
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