Jack DNA Project

We would like to ask any JACK or surname variants (JAK, JACK, JACKE, JACKS, JACKIS, JACQUE, JACQUES) to consider taking one of the DNA tests that are now available to help us understand more about our surname origin.

We currently focus our autosomal (atDNA) testing through Ancestry, and our Y-DNA testing through FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) at www.familytreedna.com. Those agreeing to take a Y-DNA test are asked to register under the JACK surname project that FTDNA offers: Join the JACK surname project at FTDNA .

Recommended Y-DNA tests (males only)

The following tests are for males only (ladies see below for alternatives):

Y-DNA37 – an entry level test. 37-marker matches are highly likely to be related within the past 8 generations.
Y-DNA67 – a higher resolution test. 67-marker matches are highly likely to be related within the past 6 generations.

Options for women

Women who wish to determine their direct paternal DNA ancestry can ask a male relative from the same surname line to test on their behalf. This can be a:

father
brother
paternal uncle
paternal grandfather
male cousin who shares the same surname lineage (the same Y-DNA)

Upgrading tests and using autosomal DNA

As more people join the JACK surname project and begin to find closer matches between one another, you may wish to:

upgrade your Y-DNA test to a higher level, and/or
take an autosomal DNA (atDNA) test.

Autosomal DNA testing is highly recommended for genealogists. It is extremely useful for confirming close relationships, regardless of gender.

Family Finder – autosomal DNA test

At FamilyTreeDNA, the main autosomal test is called Family Finder. This test typically identifies matches who are related within about the last 5 generations.

Current Haplogroup patterns

Many people with the JACK/JACKS surname who have taken Y-DNA tests so far fall into the R1b haplogroup. As more men test and join the project, we expect to refine and extend this picture.