Guild of One-Name Studies
One-name studies, Genealogy
This study is no longer registered with the Guild, but this profile page has been retained at the member's request. Please note that neither officers nor members of the Guild are able to answer any questions about this study.
I became aware during my research that the surname seemed to have three main centres - Somerset, Nottingham and Sussex. I have always been interested in the history and origin of names, and registered my study of the Denman surname with The Guild of One Name Studies. Unfortunately due to many factors; the size of this project, and my expanding involvement in other projects, I have not been able to devote the time to this study that I had hoped. I mentioned on this page that I hoped a collaborator or two might come forward to perhaps oversee Nottinghamshire or Sussex, but sadly no-one did, and I do not feel I can do justice to such a large study on my own.
It's not completely over though - my own work so far has been mainly concentrated on the Somerset Denman families, and I will continue to research all instances of the name in the 'West Country' - Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.
The DNA Project I set up is for any male Denman, and through this I am aware of some of the Nottinghamshire and Sussex lines, but my information on them is much more limited. The DNA project will continue, and I will do my best to assist any participant with their Denman family history, wherever their Denmans may be from.
A quick look at the distribution of the name using the censuses indicates that the surname is most prevalent in Somerset, Nottinghamshire and Sussex. Early records indicate that the surname was found in the 1300s in Nottinghamshire and Somerset, showing that shortly after surnames were adopted, the Denman name existed at opposite ends of the country simultaneously. Although much further research is necessary, this could point to the surname having at least two points of origin, and early results from the DNA project indicate that the Somerset and Nottinghamshire Denmans are not connected.
I chose to host the Denman DNA Project with Family Tree DNA because (most importantly) they have the biggest gene pool - therefore greater chances of finding matches. Also, they come with an impressive pedigree in the field of DNA testing and are the company of choice for 95% of genealogists. I do not get any financial reward for using them as my testing company, I run the project on a voluntary basis for the benefit of Denman researchers. Tests ordered through this project are charged at the special group rate which provides a substantial saving on the standard FTDNA price. You can sign up for the discounted rates here. This is a link which gives (in dollars) the group discounted rates.