Autosomal DNA (atDNA)

Autosomal DNA testing is a basic tool in genetic genealogy. It allows searching for close relatives across all ancestral lines, usually up to 5 or 7 generations back.

Main Testing Providers

The choice of provider depends primarily on the size of their database (a larger database means a higher probability of matches) and the geographical representation of test-takers. The main providers are:

  1. Ancestry DNA: The largest provider (over 24 million test-takers), with the most users from the USA. For the European market, they often use a warehouse in Ireland, which reduces customs complications.

  2. 23andMe: Formerly a large provider (over 14 million test-takers). The company went bankrupt in 2025 and was acquired by Regeneron. We currently do not recommend testing with this provider; existing users are advised to download raw data and delete their account.

  3. MyHeritage DNA: Very popular in Europe (9 million test-takers). The advantage is easy shipping within the EU, which reduces costs and postal complications. This was my first test.

  4. FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA): A medium-sized provider (2 million test-takers), which is unique because, in addition to the autosomal test (Family Finder), it also offers specialized Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. A great advantage is that you can order additional tests later from the same sample without resubmitting. The downside is logistics, as shipping to and from the USA often causes customs complications.

Ethnicity Estimate

The test also provides an ethnicity estimate (calculation of proportions of different genetic populations). Below are examples of my ethnicity estimates from two providers with different statistical models and reference groups:

MyHeritage Ethnicity Estimate

Ethnicity - MyHeritage

FamilyTreeDNA Ethnicity Estimate

Ethnicity - FTDNA

Ancestry Ethnicity Estimate

Ethnicity - Ancestry

Comparison of Advanced Features

An important difference among providers is the availability of a Chromosome Browser, which allows for more precise analysis of matches and triangulation of shared DNA segments. AncestryDNA does not have it; MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA do.

For comparing matches between different providers, the free tool GEDmatch is available, where you can upload raw data and find common matches with people who tested with another provider.

Transferring Raw Data to FamilyTreeDNA

FTDNA allows importing raw data from AncestryDNA or MyHeritage for a small fee. This is an excellent option for accessing the FTDNA database and its advanced features (including Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups) without resubmitting a sample to the USA. Details about the Y-DNA haplogroup are described on the Y-DNA page.

Kinship Connections Discovered through atDNA Tests

MyHeritage

Through MyHeritage testing, I found valuable connections:

  • A 3rd-degree relative on the Pezdirc line, living in the USA (older generation).
  • A 3rd-degree relative on the Pezdirc line from Slovenia (younger generation).
  • A 3rd-degree cousin on the Simonič line, living in the USA.
  • A 3rd-degree relative on one of the Gorenjske lines, younger generation (origin still being researched).
  • Over 6,000 other matches (most are too distant for quick identification).

FamilyTreeDNA

With an additional Family Finder test from FTDNA, I confirmed some existing and discovered new matches:

  • A 3rd-degree cousin on the Simonič line (the same match as with MyHeritage).
  • A 4th-degree cousin on the Porenta line from Slovenia.
  • A 5th-degree cousin, likely on the Erjavec line, living in the USA.
  • Over 1,200 other matches.

Ancestry

With an additional test from Ancestry, I confirmed some existing matches and discovered new ones:

  • A 3rd-degree cousin on the Jekovec line, living in the USA.
  • A 4th-degree cousin on the Starašinič line from the USA, who is also a 7th-degree cousin on the Simonič line.
  • A 3rd-degree cousin on the Simonič line from the USA (the same match as with MyHeritage and FTDNA).
  • A 4th-degree cousin on the Porenta line from Slovenia (the same match as with FTDNA).
  • A 5th-degree cousin on the Rakar line from the USA.
  • Over 7,550 other matches.

Example of Successful Research

DNA testing allowed me to connect with the Pezdirc family in the USA. I knew they had emigrated, but I didn't know exactly where they had settled.

Even more surprising was the discovery regarding the Erjavec line. Based on a DNA match and that person's family tree, I discovered that my ancestor Kisovec (who moved to Strahinj from the place Trata) does not originate from just any village by that name, but specifically from Trata pri Gorenji vasi. In the parish registers there, I then actually found the sought-after Kisovec and his ancestors with the previously unknown surname Erjavec.

Ethical Aspect and Surprises

When testing the wider family, we encountered an unexpected revelation – for one test-taker, we discovered an aunt who was apparently the illegitimate child of the grandfather or his brother. Such discoveries can cause dilemmas within the family regarding establishing contact. Genetic genealogy can reveal unexpected family secrets, which one should be aware of before ordering a test.

Further Research

  • With the FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder test, I will test some more relatives from the wider family, primarily to determine their basic Y-DNA haplogroup. Later, we can purchase Y-DNA or mtDNA tests for these individuals without resubmitting the sample.
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