So far we have identified 15 distinct genetic groups, and also subgroups within some groups. You can view the results on the Family Tree DNA website.
To give you an idea of the differences among the various groups, here are the recent ancestral connections of the first two Bryson Groups. When particpants are tested they are asked to identify their known country of origin. So after you are tested you see how many people in the data base you match (by country.)
The largest group, B1, is connected to the Bryson City, North Carolina line of Bryson. In this case, some members might claim Northern Ireland (but suspect Scotland), others may go ahead and claim Scotland. Five people from this line have been tested, so four matches are simply other Brysons.
Here is the result for the B1 Brysons, notice they have very few connections in the data base.
Now compare the above results with the Bryson group B2 connected to John Bryson, b. 1690 in Northern Ireland (not genetically related to B1.)
|
|
Also, please visit this offsite link to learn more about each group and to share information |
BRYSON SURNAME PROJECT 
My DNA test via the Bryson project has me as B2a. My closest match via the Bryson project is B2.
However I have found a closer match via the Bruce family tree. The match via the Bruce has a genetic distance of 1 for a 25 marker test.
What are the chances of Bryson previously being Bruceson? Son of Bruce? What would the timeline be for this as I have a connection with B2 so the Bryson surname must have been around for numerous years. Where and when does the Bruce fit into the timeframe?
Thanks
By: Billy Bryson on October 25, 2009
at 10:28 pm
Hi Billy
During 1850 compulsary registration of births deaths marriages in the Lowlands of Scotland and later in the Highlands 1900. It would appear that all the Bruce-son’s were all standardised as Bryson. There are dozens of old Scottish spellings of the surname ‘Bruiceson’ and ‘Brwiceson’ and many more. The Bruce’s of Airth used ‘Brys’ ‘Bruys’ and ‘Bryce’ (Ref: Old Presbyterian records of Stirling 1445). We also find Mac Gill Bhris (McElfrish) (The Son of the devotee of Brice). In North Uist.
All the best
Andy Bryce
By: Andy Bryce on December 17, 2013
at 11:54 am
Yes, I too think it is possible that your line may have origins as a “son of Bruce.” Of course something like an adoption or extra marital event long ago could also explain the rather close genetic connection.
Since our initial grouping of you with B2, the comparison of the 25 marker tests indicates that the connection between B2 and B2a is significantly weaker than what the original 12 marker test indicated.
Hopefully, new evidence will help someday.
By: alanbryson on October 26, 2009
at 9:42 am