DNA Project

Uncover new insights with Polmanarkivet's DNA Project. The objective of the DNA Project is to confirm ancestral links between branches of these families that have not been established through paper records. This will help to determine whether these branches originate from the same family.

Uncover new insights

Welcome to the Polman, Påhlman, and (von) Pohlmann DNA Project! Although the project is currently in its early stages, we are excited about the potential of DNA testing to help us uncover new insights about the connections between these families.

The purpose of conducting a DNA project is to demonstrate a genetic linkage between families, which can be especially useful when traditional genealogical records are limited or inconclusive. The DNA Project has been registered with Family Tree DNA, one of the leading DNA testing companies. This will allow individuals with these surnames to participate in the research by ordering a DNA test and contributing to the collective project.

What can a DNA project achieve? It can help to validate existing research, identify mistaken connections, determine related family branches, bridge gaps in paper records, confirm and discover name variants, resolve brick walls, confirm migrations, confirm suspected events such as illegitimacy and adoption, define the major branches of the tree going back to the origin of the surname, and reveal information about the evolution and origin of a surname.

Objectives

With regard to the Polman, Påhlman, and Pohlmann One-Name Study, the objective of the DNA Project is to confirm ancestral links between branches of these families that have not been established through paper records. This will help to determine whether these branches originate from the same family.

So, we’re hoping that over time we can answer the following:

  • Does the Påhlman family in Sweden and von Pohlmann family in Estonia both link to the Polman family from Westphalia?
  • In particular, do the three groups of families have a common origin, as the paper records are beginning to suggest?
  • Do other groups of Pohlmanns across Germany and the Baltics link to the main group of Polmans from Westphalia?
  • Where did the family originate; is there a possible connection between the Pollemann family from Drenthe and Groningen?
  • What are the origins and evolution of the surname? 

How You Can Help

The most important DNA test for a One-Name Study is that on the Y chromosome, which only chromosomally males carry, which means only people assigned male at birth can take a Y-DNA test.* Men and trans women with the surnames Polman, Påhlman, Pohlmann, or other registered name variants are encouraged to participate. This is an opportunity to make discoveries not available in the paper records.

If you are female or a trans man, and want to find out more information about your Polman, Påhlman, or Pohlmann ancestry, then please find a person assigned male at birth in your family to participate.

You can also assist the general research by making a small donation towards a DNA fund that will assist those who cannot afford the test themselves.

*If you are interested in your direct female line, which is your mother, her mother, and matrilineal ancestors, you could order a test on the mitochondrial DNA: the mtDNA test. Though the test result probably wouldn’t benefit the One-Name Study, you can order through the Polman DNA project to get the lower project pricing. A mtDNA test is an opportunity to discover information about your direct female ancestry.

Next Steps

If you are a man or trans woman with the surname Polman, Påhlman, Pohlmann, or other registered name variants, join the Polman DNA Project & purchase a Y-DNA37 test. This will help us confirm ancestral links between branches of these families.

  • Click the “Go to DNA Project” button
  • Once on the Project page at Family Tree DNA, click “Join”
  • You will be prompted to purchase a kit or sign in if you already have a DNA kit
  • Select Y-DNA37 $119 and fill in your details
  • Family Tree DNA will then send you a kit in the post which you use and return

Y-DNA37

$ 119 .00

Discounted pricing for group members

  • For men and trans women only
  • Recommended level of Y-DNA tests
  • 37-marker matches likely related within 8 generations