Too many different surnames as matches

[kzaidi123]

i have 200+ y37 matches but the surnames are completely dispersed. they are very different across the board. can someone help interpret this

[mabrams]

During the Father's Day Sale, you should upgrade to at least 67, or better yet Y111 or the BigY. That's the best way to bring this list down to a manageable number.

Focus on your 36s and 37s. Most 33s out of 37 are dodgy, although I do have one key 33.

You should try to get a feel for a better haplogroup than the basic one from the Y37. You might be able to do this manually by looking at your Y37s who have a BigY and see if there is a consistency.

You can also run your Y37 values through Y-DNA Haplogroup Predictor - NEVGEN.ORG.
In the upper left is a Settings button consisting of three lines. Select the appropriate option. e.g. I pick R1b 67+
Keep in mind, Nevgen is designed for 67 markers, but you can try 37. You have a lot of 37s, so maybe you come from a common haplogroup.

You can also just order a test from 23andMe or LivingDNA, which includes a Y haplogroup, usually rather deep.

Or YSeq Cladefinder will attempt to predict a haplogroup from AncestryDNA or MH for free.

But its really my first suggestion. Upgrade to a higher level, when on sale.

[kzaidi123]

Thank you. The closest I have to my 37 is 4 matches 2 steps away from me from the Middle East but my family is from south Asia.

[georgian1950]

Thank you. The closest I have to my 37 is 4 matches 2 steps away from me from the Middle East but my family is from south Asia.

Perhaps this is a case of seamen sailing the seven seas.

[mabrams]

You can enter your Haplogroup into this FTDNA site
FamilyTreeDNA Discover (Beta)

Keep in mind that you have a very basic haplogroup on your Y37 test so you will likely get a very broad report. But you can see whether this is a common haplogroup found in South Asia or Middle East or both.

"he closest I have to my 37 is 4 matches 2 steps away " . Its just hard to say if those are strong matches or weak matches or even false positives. You need a Y67 or Y111 or a SNP based test.

[kzaidi123]

thank you for the reply. i did the y37 swab 2 years ago so would that sample still be usable or do i need to order kit again?

[mabrams]

One of the great things is that FTDNA stores your sample for approximately 25 years. No other testing company does that IIRC.

So you dont need to send in another sample. Nor will you be charged for shipping and handling

You can order from your FTDNA page. Just a click. You can probably save around $20 around Father's Day.

I got 11 tests out of my 2003 sample, including the BigY700 in 2019.