Azores DNA Project Projeto do ADN dos Açôres

Photo credit: Library of Congress

The first settlers of theAzores archipelago arrived in the 1430s. The nine islands were settled primarily by Portuguese and Flemish settlers, along with small populations of Jewish and Moors.

The population of the Azores Islands in 1993 was 237,800.  Azorean emigration to North America began in the 1800's, when Azoreans joined the crews of American whaling ships.  This was the beginning of a large scale Azorean emigration to the United States and Canada.  By the late 20th century, more Azoreans resided in North America than in the archipelago.

While researching their Azorean ancestry, many genealogists encounter genealogical obstacles such as "pais incognitos" (parents unknown).  Another consistent difficulty arises with the random pattern with which Azoreans adopted their surnames.  Azoreans would sometimes choose the surnames of their noble lineage; Avila and Bettencourt are two examples.  Oftentimes, Azoreans would take their mother's surname, which may have religious origins (e.g.: da Rosa).

With no set naming pattern established, Azorean DNA surname projects would be a futile effort.  To establish genetic relationships for those of Azorean heritage, a geographical DNA project may be the answer.  Additionally, females are eligible to participate through mtDNA (mitrochondrial) testing, where they would be excluded in a Y-chromosome surname project.

To participate in the Azores Geographical DNA Project, please submit your lineage (as far back as you have it) and which island your ancestors were from. DNA results will be sorted by island.  If they were from multiple islands, then submit the most recent one or the one where their family resided the longest.  If you do not know which island, your results will be placed in "other".

Azores DNA Project Ancestry Map

For more information:

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Tree DNA Video

DNA Collection Procedure

Project Pricing

To Join the Azores DNA Project

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Page last updated: 09/18/07