DNA Color Clustering: Identifying “In Common” Surnames

After creating DNA Color Clusters using the Leeds Method, the next step is to identify the surnames associated with these groups.

Traditional Genealogists

If you are a genealogist who already knows the relationships of all or most of these “second” and “third” cousins, the process is fairly simple. Personally, I label the columns according to the surnames of the 8 great grandparents.

Adoptees & other Unknown Parentages

However, if you are an adoptee, working with an adoptee, new to genealogy, or for whatever reason cannot label your color clusters with the appropriate surnames, then this method will hopefully reveal surnames for each color cluster. These surnames are clues as to how these groups are likely related to the test taker.

Identifying “In Common” Surnames

Step 1: Create DNA Color Clusters 

In this case, the adoptee identified the Blue Cluster as her biological mother’s. We were trying to identify her biological father, so we concentrated on the Orange and Yellow Clusters. (The Green column did not have a cluster.)

Step 2: Determine which matches have trees and which do not have trees and label accordingly.

I looked at each match to see if they have a tree – whether attached or not attached! I then labeled them to indicate “tree” or “no tree.” Since we were trying to identify a biological father, we did NOT work with the Blue Cluster the adoptee identified as maternal.

Step 3: List the great grandparent surnames for each match with a tree. If they don’t have great grandparent matches, use whatever surnames they have included.

To find the surnames, look at the tree. Use great grandparents if available. If the tree doesn’t go back that far on any lines, just use whatever surnames are available. Occasionally you might need to go back to great, great grandparents.

Step 4: Identify common surnames, if any, in each Color Cluster.

Find the common surnames, if any. I find this step truly amazing! I have highlighted the shared surnames:

• • Orange Cluster: Griffin & Bartles
  • Yellow Cluster: Paulson, Austin, and Gray

Step 5: Assign potential surnames to the Color Clusters, if identified, and use these clues to further your research!

At this point, you have clues as to what surnames you are looking for in each cluster. Continue your research using these clues!

You also might be able to look at first cousins or other “close family” matches to help label these clusters.

Happy Clustering!