Description
R1b-L21 is the signature paternal lineage of the Atlantic Celtic world. It is found at its highest frequencies in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall. This marker spread with the Bell Beaker phenomenon into Northwest Europe, where it became the dominant lineage. It represents the specific branch of R1b that successfully colonized the British Isles during the early Bronze Age, effectively replacing earlier Neolithic male lineages.
Interesting Fact
In parts of Western Ireland, over 90% of men carry the L21 marker, making it one of the most concentrated paternal lineages in the world. It is also found in significant frequencies in regions of North and West France (Brittany), tracing the historical Celtic connections across the English Channel.
Distribution by Ethnicity
| Ethnic distribution | Region | Frequency | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Western Europe | n=500 | |
| Welsh | Western Europe | n=300 | |
| Scottish | Western Europe | n=400 | |
| Cornish | Western Europe | n=150 | |
| Bretons | Western Europe | n=200 |
Tags
References
- Olalde et al. (2018) — The Beaker phenomenon and the genomic transformation of northwest Europe. Nature.
- Busby et al. (2012) — The peopling of Europe and the cautionary tale of Y chromosome lineage R-M269. Proceedings of the Royal Society B.