Kimble (and Kimmel) Y-DNA Project

Using the Y-chromosome to trace our roots.

What is the Kimble Y-DNA Project?

The Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) can be a very useful tool in genealogical research because its genetic traits can be passed only from father to son.  This means a surname, which is passed down through the male line, can be traced back through the same males using genetic markers that identify these traits.  Family Tree DNA was organized to acquire Y-DNA test results for use in genealogy-related activities.  One project attempts to trace the various surnames back to when the surnames were first applied to families.

 

See the Family Tree DNA faq web page for more information about their Surname Project.

 

The Kimmels, Kummels and surname spelling variants have been welcomed to join the Kimbles, Kimballs and surname spelling variants in an attempt to use selected Y-chromosome genetic markers to help piece together our family lineages.  Surname variants for the "Kimble" Y-DNA Project include:  Kembel, Kemble, Kemple, Kimball, Kimbel, Kimbell, Kimble, Kimbold, Kimbrell, Kimel, Kimmal, Kimmel, Kimmell, Kuemmel, Kummel and Kümmel.

 

With a large enough collection of Y-chromosome the following goals may be accomplished:

Dead-end family lines could be linked to successfully traced lines. Uncertain lineages can be confirmed. Some Kimbles, etc. who have assumed they are English will discover their families came to America from Germany as Kimmels and they should be searching German resources to find their lineage.. American lineages ending at the ocean might be tied to their families in Europe. We may prove when the English families and German families branched apart in Saxony so long ago. This family group is small enough to meet its goals comparatively early, yet varied enough to have enough interesting results to become a primary model for other family Y-chromosome studies.

Learn more about the Y-DNA surname project at Family Tree DNA

Contact the Kimble family administrator, Brian Hamman

View the Kimble Y-DNA project's latest results.

 

View the haplogroup tree (the Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree)

RelativeGenetics' European Haplomaps

Use Whit Athley's haplogroup predictor or/and Jim Cullen's haplogroup predictor.

Y-DNA public database at Ysearch

How Do I Get Involved?

Things to know:

 

Since the Y-chromosome is being tracked, only males can take the test.  Females born to the Kimble (etc.) families will need to coax a brother, birth father or paternal grandfather into taking the test.

 

The test is painless--no needles.  Just swabs rubbed against the inside of the cheek.

 

This test is not detailed enough to prove paternity.  It does not identify tendency towards any disease.

 

The test is confidential.  Only you and the Kimble surname administrator (Brian Hamman) sees the results.  Only with a signed release form will Family Tree DNA share your results with someone who matches your genetic fingerprint exactly.  Up to a 37-marker detail will be added to the results listed on the Kimble Y-DNA project's web site, without identifying the source, unless you want to.  (Using only 37 Y-DNA markers cannot identify you.)  Most people want to include their Kimble/Kimmel lineage and an e-mail.

 

There is a cost.  A 37-marker test will cost just below $200 for the test and shipping.  So weigh a  weekend out of town, a  compact digital camera or a new outfit against the chance of extending you family tree and becoming part of a new exciting scientific research.

 

What to do:  

 

Go here to fill out your form for the test.

 

Options for number of markers to test:

    Y-DNA12 (male 12 marker paternal test)  -- will place one in a general family group

    Y-DNA25 (male 25 marker paternal test)  -- will confirm one more closely to specific a Kimmel group

    Y-DNA37 (male 37 marker paternal test)  -- should be sufficient to identify one's Kimmel line (most useful)

    Y-DNA67 (male 67 marker paternal test)  -- overkill for us; may be necessary for huge families like Smith or Myers. 

 

Payment can be by credit card or invoice.

 

The test will be mailed to you immediately.

 

The DNA test kit can be viewed here.  You will scrape the inside of you cheek with a cotton toothed swab and put it in a vial.  A few hours later do it again with another swab and vial, then a few more hours later use the third swab and vial.  Three sets will guarantee a good sample.  Put the vials in the plastic bag, and the bag in the mailing envelope.

 

Mail in the three vials.  Don' forget postage.  You should learn the test results in about seven weeks.