Hi   My name is Liz Jones and I have started a Denman DNA Project at Family Tree DNA. I have been researching the history of the Denman surname since 1999.  Through my research I have become very interested in the history of the Denman name and its origins, as well as tracing my own Denman line. I know from the censuses that Essex has one of the earliest mentions of the Denman surname. A Surname Project traces members of a family that share a common surname. The project is just getting started, and we expect to have many exciting discoveries. Participating is an opportunity to uncover information not provided in the paper records, which will help with your family history research. We will also discover which family trees are related. As the project progresses, the results for the various family trees will provide information about the evolution of the surname. Are all people with the surname Denman related? Where did the name originate? I can’t promise you the answers to these questions but by contributing to the study we will all learn more about the name.   Early indications are that there are at least two lines of origin of the Denman surname.   The Y DNA test tells you about your direct male line, which would be your father, his father, and back in time. You must be male to take this simple cheek swab test, and you should bear the Denman surname, although if you believe there is a Denman or variant in your direct male line, despite having a different surname, you are also welcome to participate. If you are female, you will need to find a direct line male Denman in your family tree to take the test and represent your tree, such as your father, brother, uncle or cousin.   Tests ordered through this project are charged at the special group rate which provides a substantial saving on the standard FTDNA price. By the way, I don’t work for Family Tree DNA, nor do I benefit financially – I’ve just volunteered to start and administer the Denman project in the hope that it will be of help to Denman researchers.   Further information is available here: https://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=Denman, or if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me using the same link.  Kind regards Liz Jones