The MacGregor DNA Project is a collaborative genetic genealogy effort dedicated to exploring the ancient origins, historical movements, and modern family connections of those bearing the surnames MacGregor, McGregor, Gregor, Grier, Greer, and other recognized sept names associated with Clan Gregor. Because the clan survived centuries of persecution—including the proscription of the MacGregor name between 1603 and 1774—historical records alone often provide an incomplete picture of family lines.

The project uses Y‑chromosome DNA (Y‑DNA) and autosomal DNA to help participants reconnect with their MacGregor heritage, confirm genealogical lines, identify new branches, and illuminate deep ancestral origins that written records cannot.

Participation is open to:

• Men bearing a MacGregor or recognized sept surname
• Men who suspect biological MacGregor paternal ancestry
• Women researching MacGregor paternal lines (through testing a suitable male relative)
• Anyone interested in autosomal matches related to Clan Gregor families

Through careful comparison of genetic signatures, the project has revealed multiple paternal lineages within the clan—an expected result given historical adoption, fosterage, non‑paternal events, and the absorption of allied families over time. These discoveries continue to refine our understanding of the clan’s early history from its roots in Glenorchy, Glenstrae, and Glengyle through the diaspora to North America, Australia, and beyond.

Project Goals

• Identify and map distinct MacGregor paternal lineages from medieval times to the present
• Clarify connections among modern MacGregor families around the world
• Support genealogical research, especially where records are missing or destroyed
• Reconstruct historical branches of the clan during the proscription era
• Document the genetic diversity among MacGregor sept surnames
• Preserve and share knowledge about Clan Gregor’s heritage, culture, and history

Benefits of Joining

Participants gain access to:

• Comparative Y‑DNA results within the MacGregor project
• Expert analysis by volunteer administrators
• Placement into appropriate haplogroup clusters
• Insight into ancestral origins stretching back centuries
• Collaboration with cousins and researchers worldwide
• Access to the broader FamilyTreeDNA database

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Understanding Y‑DNA Testing and How It Is Used in Clan Projects

What is Y‑DNA?

Y‑DNA is the genetic material found on the Y‑chromosome—passed down unchanged from father to son, except for the occasional mutation. This makes Y‑DNA uniquely suited for:

• Tracing paternal lineage
• Confirming surname origins
• Connecting distant male relatives
• Reconstructing ancient clan and family histories

Because surnames in Scotland typically pass down the same paternal line as the Y‑chromosome, Y‑DNA testing is one of the most powerful tools for studying clans like the MacGregors.

How Y‑DNA Testing Works

A Y‑DNA test examines:

1. STR Markers (Short Tandem Repeats)

• Used to identify how closely two men are related
• Useful for genealogical timeframes (0–500 years)
• Help cluster individuals into project groupings

2. SNP Markers (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)

• Mutations that define branches of the human Y‑DNA tree
• Used to identify haplogroups and deep ancestry (1,000+ years)
• Reveal the ancient origins of MacGregor lineages

The most advanced test, known as Big Y‑700, provides the highest resolution for determining how MacGregor paternal lines relate to each other, and when they diverged.

Why Y‑DNA Is Essential for the MacGregor Clan

Clan Gregor’s history is uniquely complex because of:

• Centuries of proscription
• Forced surname changes
• Adoption of the MacGregor name by allied families
• Non‑paternal events caused by warfare, displacement, and political pressure

Y‑DNA helps untangle these layers, allowing us to:

• Distinguish the main MacGregor lineages descending from Clan Alpine
• Identify branches such as Glenstrae, Glengyle, and Roro
• Reconnect families whose surnames were changed during the name‑ban
• Discover unrelated male lines that later adopted the MacGregor surname
• Validate or challenge traditional genealogies

What Test Should You Take?

For men researching MacGregor ancestry, the recommended test is:

Big Y‑700

• Provides the deepest level of analysis
• Places you on the most detailed branch of the Y‑DNA haplotree
• Helps refine the project’s understanding of MacGregor origins
• Produces matches with others who have taken the same test

For women, autosomal testing (Family Finder) can still connect you to MacGregor relatives, but Y‑DNA requires a male from the paternal line (e.g., father, brother, uncle).