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Y-DNA · Paternal lineage

E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D

Y-DNA Haplogroup E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D

Explore the lineage

A reference profile for one lineage branch. Shared haplogroups do not establish a family relationship or cultural identity.

Reference profile

Branch background

Historical context for Y-DNA lineage branch E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D

Origins and Evolution

E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D is a terminal subclade nested within the rapidly diversifying West/Central African E-M2 (E1b1a) branch. Phylogenetically this clade is very recent, likely arising within the last few centuries as a consequence of local mutation accumulation within an extended family, clan, or small set of communities. Its position in the tree—deeply downstream of E-M2—means it does not reflect major prehistoric migrations but rather microevolutionary events (lineage splits and demographic growth) that occur at the population and community level.

Subclades (if applicable)

At present E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D appears to be a terminal or near-terminal branch with little or no widely reported deep downstream diversity in published datasets. Where substructure exists, it is expected to represent very recent, often genealogical-time splits (decades to a few centuries) among related male lines. Further high-resolution sequencing (Y-STR and Y-SNP deep screens) in targeted populations would be needed to resolve any fine-scale subclades.

Geographical Distribution

The distribution of E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D is expected to be concentrated in West and Central African populations, particularly among Bantu-speaking groups and neighboring West African peoples where E-M2 diversity is high. Because the clade is recent, its geographic footprint is typically localized — found at low to moderate frequency within particular ethnolinguistic communities in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and parts of Central Africa. Secondary presence is expected in the African diaspora (the Americas and Caribbean) via the trans-Atlantic slave trade and in modern migration to Europe.

Historical and Cultural Significance

This haplogroup does not map cleanly onto deep archaeological cultures; instead, its significance is sociodemographic and historical. It reflects recent family- or community-level demographic processes within Bantu-speaking and adjacent societies (marriage patterns, founder effects, and local expansions). The clade may also be carried by descendants of enslaved Africans across the Americas and the Caribbean, making it relevant to studies of recent ancestry and genealogical reconstruction. Unlike ancient clades associated with large prehistoric migrations (e.g., Neolithic farmers or Bronze Age pastoralists), E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D is informative for recent population structure, kinship, and the impacts of historical movements such as the Atlantic slave trade and more recent modern migrations.

Conclusion

E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D is best interpreted as a very recent, localized branch of the broader E-M2 paternal pool in West/Central Africa. It is most useful in studies of recent demographic history, genealogical matching, and tracing lineage continuity within specific African communities and their diasporas. Additional targeted sampling and high-resolution sequencing will clarify its exact geographic range, frequency, and any finer substructure.

Key Points

  • Origins and Evolution
  • Subclades (if applicable)
  • Geographical Distribution
  • Historical and Cultural Significance
  • Conclusion
Reference profile

Tree & Relationships

Phylogenetic context and subclades

Evolution Path

Follow the recorded parent branches toward E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D. Dates are estimates and can change as reference data is revised.

Steps Haplogroup Age Estimate Archaeology Era Time Passed Immediate Descendants Tested Modern Descendants Ancient Connections
1 E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D Current ~200 years ago Modern 200 years 0 0 0
2 E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1 ~50 years ago Modern <100 years 1 0 0
3 E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A ~50 years ago Modern <100 years 2 2 0
4 E1B1A1A1A2A1A3 ~100 years ago Modern 100 years 2 6 0
5 E1B1A1A1A2A1A ~200 years ago Modern 200 years 1 6 0
6 E1B1A1A1A2A1 ~500 years ago Modern 500 years 1 126 0
7 E1B1A1A1A2A ~800 years ago Medieval 800 years 1 135 0
8 E1B1A1A1A2 ~2,000 years ago Roman Period 2,000 years 1 135 0
9 E1B1A1A1A ~4,000 years ago Bronze Age 4,000 years 2 414 0
10 E1B1A1A1 ~6,000 years ago Chalcolithic 5,500 years 1 425 0
11 E1B1A1A ~8,000 years ago Neolithic 8,000 years 1 425 0
12 E1B1A1 ~20,000 years ago Mesolithic 20,000 years 1 433 0
13 E1B1A ~22,000 years ago Mesolithic 22,000 years 1 437 0
14 E1B1 ~28,000 years ago Paleolithic 28,000 years 2 1,572 0
15 E1B ~30,000 years ago Paleolithic 30,000 years 1 1,583 0
16 E1 ~50,000 years ago Paleolithic 50,000 years 2 1,667 2
17 E ~50,000 years ago Paleolithic 50,000 years 3 1,813 3

Subclades (0)

Terminal branch - no recorded subclades

Reference profile

Where in the World

Geographic distribution and modern presence

Recorded origin

West/Central Africa

Modern Distribution

The populations where Y-DNA haplogroup Y-DNA haplogroup E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D is found include:

  1. Yoruba and other West African groups (e.g., Igbo, Akan)
  2. Bantu-speaking populations of Central Africa (e.g., Kongo, Luba) and parts of Cameroon and Gabon
  3. Southern African Bantu-speaking groups at low to variable frequency (e.g., Zulu, Xhosa)
  4. Great Lakes and East African neighboring populations (low frequency)
  5. African-descended populations in the Americas and the Caribbean (via the trans-Atlantic slave trade)
  6. Low-frequency occurrences in Europe tied to recent migration

Regional Presence

Western Africa High
Central Africa High
Southern Africa Moderate
Eastern Africa Low
North America (African diaspora) Moderate
South America (African diaspora) Moderate
Western Europe Low
West Africa High
Caribbean Moderate
Southern Europe Low
Historical context

A branch through time

Estimated formation in a broad historical timeline. Period markers provide context and do not imply a connection with particular cultures.

  1. ~10k years ago

    Neolithic Revolution

    Agriculture begins, settled communities form

  2. ~5k years ago

    Bronze Age

    Metalworking, writing, and early civilizations

  3. ~3k years ago

    Iron Age

    Iron tools, expanded trade networks

  4. ~2.5k years ago

    Classical Antiquity

    Greek and Roman civilizations flourish

  5. ~200 years ago

    Haplogroup E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D

    Estimated formation of this Y-DNA branch; dates and locations are reference estimates.

    This branch
  6. Present

    Present Day

    Modern era

Reference profile

Archaeological context

Recorded archaeological associations for Y-DNA branch E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D

Recorded associations

These labels describe archaeological contexts recorded for reference samples linked to E1B1A1A1A2A1A3A1D. An association does not establish that all carriers belonged to a culture or followed a particular migration route.

Afro-Mexican AL_ANDALUS Al-Andalus Bungule Faza Iron Age Pastoral Makwasinyi Modern Period present
Culture assignments are based on archaeological context of ancient DNA samples and may represent regional associations during specific time periods.
PATERNAL LINEAGE · ANCIENT DNA

Ancient lineage evidence map

Follow parent clades toward this branch and explore where ancient carriers were found.

Loading ancient observations…

Markers are archaeological find locations. A dashed connector is an uncertain, proposed geographic transition between consecutive branches supported by multiple dated observations; it is not an exact travel route, birthplace or proof of direct descent. Parent-clade samples may belong to other descendant branches. Gaps remain where evidence is insufficient. Sample dates differ from haplogroup formation dates.

Data

Data & Provenance

Source information and data quality

Last Updated 2026-06-15
Confidence Score 50/100
Coverage Low

Data Source

Classification, estimated dates and geographic context reflect the recorded reference data and may change as evidence is revised. Sample coverage is uneven; recorded locations and archaeological associations do not establish personal origin or cultural identity.