Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

Mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to all her children, but only daughters pass it on to their offspring. Similar to Y-DNA, random mutations also occasionally occur in mtDNA, which allows individuals to be classified into mtDNA haplogroups. Because mtDNA mutates much slower than Y-DNA, these groups are often broader and span further back in time.

mtDNA Haplogroup Tree

These genetic variations allow for the construction of a genetic genealogical haplogroup tree. An example of such a tree is the display of Maternal Lines (mtDNA) on the Slovenian Genetic Heritage page.

Below is shown the placement of my oldest known ancestress in the direct maternal line, Ana Simonič (b. 1764), on the mtDNA tree. My haplogroup is H5r, and its common ancestor is estimated to be around 476 BCE.

mtDNA haplogroup for Ana Simonič

My Closest Maternal Relatives

Since the common ancestor of haplogroup H5r lived so far in the past (5th century BCE), the number of individuals with this match is considerable, and finding specific points of contact in the last few centuries is challenging. A list and distribution of relatives who also originate from haplogroup H5r can be seen at the link.

Geographically Closest Relatives

I currently have 20 matches in the coding region, 22 matches in HVR2, and 111 matches in HVR1. The most interesting are from the first group, as they are the closest (at the H5r level).

Through the Slovenian Origin project, I have identified the following relatives of my ancestress Ana Simonič b.1764 from Semič:

  • Ana Šelko, b. 1756 from Vojna vas pri Črnomlju (later lived in Gornja Paka, very close to Semič)
  • Marija Pintar, b. 1905 from Martinj vrh pri Železnikih
  • Neža Žagar, b. 1792 from Zgornja Danja pri Soriški planini

The following matches (also of Slovenian origin) are not yet included in the Slovenian Origin project:

  • Mary Gliebe, b. 1834
  • Končar

I have established contact with them through the FamilyTreeDNA platform and invited them to join the Slovenian Origin project.

Further Research

So far, I have invested less time in researching the maternal line than the paternal line. Genetic research of the maternal line is further complicated by the fact that surnames change in each generation (upon the mother's marriage), which quickly complicates the search for connections in written sources.

My goal for the future is to identify and test descendants of other female lines in my family tree to gain a broader picture of my ancestresses' migrations.

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