One of the DNA lines that has been tested (my maternal grandmother's line) is R1b which is one of the most common groups in Western Europe. There are over 50 matches at 12 markers on this line. I don't even investigate them further and the ones who match on 37 markers -- are have the same surname and all known to be related My husbands surname is Danish and they changed the surname with each generation -- He ended up with HANSEN as his great grandfather was the son of HANS when they stopped this naming practice but the generation before was ANDERSEN as -- son of ANDERS -- so in his case, the surnames mean nothing and the location in Denmark is more important In my THOMAS line -- E3b-- even though we don't match any other Thomas lines --we also don't match ANY E3b because we have a couple of markers on the first twelve that are off the beaten path for E3b which makes us UNIQUE and any matches -- even with a different surname -- (if we ever get one)-- will be of interest. Just a couple of scenarios. Take care. Marilyn **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom00030000000001)