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Hampshire County – Ancestry

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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

8.19

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

Scotish_Irish

 
Ancestry Report Part I
DescriptionTotal Population American Native American Hawaiian Caribbean (Latino) Mexican Central American South American Other Hispanic African American Sub- Saharan Caribbean (Black)

Hampshire County165,1716,086199556,9851,4171,2351,6925972,0351,144941
Massachusetts (in 000's)7,17718892542571589859190139132
National (in 000's)343,25113,8902,21362611,32738,8796,1814,6443,68725,8937,8527,174
Worcester County885,16030,9671,09316279,7297,06511,44012,4365,00617,67116,3528,844
Hampden County464,33719,288568151107,1433,4783,9742,8403,88118,7517,6558,977
Berkshire County129,2244,926153162,8738741,1011,4958201,9111,017621
Franklin County70,7942,32310391,816576445678128564153239
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Hampshire County8.193.680.120.034.230.860.751.020.361.230.690.57
Massachusetts8.102.620.130.027.560.802.201.370.832.651.941.83
National7.834.050.640.183.3011.331.801.351.077.542.292.09
Worcester County7.953.500.120.029.010.801.291.400.572.001.851.00
Hampden County10.494.150.120.0323.070.750.860.610.844.041.651.93
Berkshire County9.603.810.120.012.220.680.851.160.631.480.790.48
Franklin County9.523.280.150.012.570.810.630.960.180.800.220.34
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 140.4194.75146.0755.95107.0934.0674.9143.6746.5235.6931.07
Massachusetts 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 154.21507.07800.5243.661,413.9182.0298.93129.76284.85117.86113.98
Worcester County 133.3297.1180.29119.1899.6358.87102.7368.3275.3895.1854.48
Hampden County 158.2996.20142.66305.3093.5038.9844.72100.98152.4984.94105.43
Berkshire County 145.2693.1154.3229.4284.4338.8184.6076.6655.8440.5526.21
Franklin County 125.04114.4255.7733.94101.5728.6370.0321.8430.0811.1418.41
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 91.0518.6918.25128.157.5741.5275.7233.6516.3330.2827.26
Massachusetts 64.8519.7212.49229.037.07121.92101.0877.0735.1184.8487.74
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Worcester County 86.4519.1510.03272.957.0571.77103.8452.6526.4680.7647.80
Hampden County 102.6518.9717.82699.236.6147.5345.2177.8253.5372.0792.50
Berkshire County 94.2018.366.7967.375.9747.3185.5159.0819.6034.4022.99
Franklin County 81.0922.566.9777.737.1834.9170.7916.8310.569.4516.15
 
Ancestry Report Part II
DescriptionTotal Population Canadian British Dutch French German Italian Polish Scandi­navian Scotish/ Irish Spanish Other European

Hampshire County165,1715,66412,5705528,7198,2287,45611,2182,49218,9465017,897
Massachusetts (in 000's)7,1771454031820320148015710289119265
National (in 000's)343,2511,35018,0691,8283,64224,7089,0274,6675,96920,6251,1409,563
Worcester County885,16031,68548,0562,86545,31923,40658,71626,12619,45396,2081,99228,713
Hampden County464,33713,30215,03065820,0369,71823,01222,8092,99236,58875011,967
Berkshire County129,2243,16210,7917927,4717,35312,8845,9651,86716,6682574,457
Franklin County70,7943,1678,9462893,9083,8913,0334,5601,5208,6672633,673
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Hampshire County8.193.437.610.335.284.984.516.791.5111.470.304.78
Massachusetts8.102.035.610.252.842.806.692.191.4312.420.263.69
National7.830.395.260.531.067.202.631.361.746.010.332.79
Worcester County7.953.585.430.325.122.646.632.952.2010.870.233.24
Hampden County10.492.863.240.144.312.094.964.910.647.880.162.58
Berkshire County9.602.458.350.615.785.699.974.621.4412.900.203.45
Franklin County9.524.4712.640.415.525.504.286.442.1512.240.375.19
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 169.32135.68134.20186.19177.8467.46310.30105.7792.37117.56129.64
Massachusetts 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 19.4293.85213.8537.42256.9839.3062.12121.9148.38128.7575.54
Worcester County 176.7596.79129.97180.5894.4099.12134.85154.0787.5287.2287.95
Hampden County 141.4557.7156.90152.1974.7174.06224.4245.1763.4562.6069.88
Berkshire County 120.82148.88246.11203.92203.13148.99210.89101.29103.8777.0893.52
Franklin County 220.89225.29163.93194.71196.2164.02294.28150.5398.58143.98140.68
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 871.80144.5762.75497.5469.20171.64499.5486.77190.9091.31171.60
Massachusetts 514.88106.5546.76267.2338.91254.45160.9982.03206.6877.67132.37
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Worcester County 910.04103.1460.78482.5736.73252.22217.09126.39180.8967.75116.43
Hampden County 728.3061.4926.61406.7029.07188.44361.3037.06131.1448.6292.50
Berkshire County 622.08158.64115.09544.9279.05379.10339.5183.09214.6759.87123.79
Franklin County 1,137.31240.0676.65520.3076.35162.90473.76123.48203.75111.83186.22
 
Ancestry Report Part III
DescriptionTotal Population Chinese Filipino Japanese Korean Vietnamese South Central Asian South East Asian Other Asian Middle Eastern Other Ancestry Unknown

Hampshire County165,1713,6106103859665982,4507494171,13419,57528,048
Massachusetts (in 000's)7,177184171129531525119751,1021,025
National (in 000's)343,2514,4613,0107931,5411,9135,4521,6431,2291,93147,32251,000
Worcester County885,1608,5291,4511,0492,3477,66919,8733,9571,9709,431119,308136,272
Hampden County464,3371,8764791174421,7564,4621,5161,1032,96260,32455,732
Berkshire County129,22447852463148670132618162213,97624,968
Franklin County70,7943891403862792721471292617,10413,222
 
Per Cent to Total PopulationDiversity
Index
 

Hampshire County8.192.190.370.230.580.361.480.450.250.6911.8516.98
Massachusetts8.102.570.230.160.400.732.110.710.271.0415.3614.28
National7.831.300.880.230.450.561.590.480.360.5613.7914.86
Worcester County7.950.960.160.120.270.872.250.450.221.0713.4815.40
Hampden County10.490.400.100.030.100.380.960.330.240.6412.9912.00
Berkshire County9.600.370.040.040.240.070.540.250.140.4810.8219.32
Franklin County9.520.550.200.050.090.110.380.210.180.3710.0318.68
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 85.07160.00145.95146.7349.3870.1963.9793.7065.7877.18118.92
Massachusetts 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 50.59379.97144.63112.6676.0175.1667.52132.9253.8989.78104.05
Worcester County 37.5171.0274.2066.52118.17106.2463.0682.60102.0787.78107.81
Hampden County 15.7344.6915.7823.8851.5845.4746.0688.1661.1184.6184.05
Berkshire County 14.4017.4322.2960.969.0825.6735.5951.9846.1170.43135.31
Franklin County 21.3985.6833.6121.9715.2218.1829.2967.6335.3265.35130.79
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Hampshire County 168.1742.11100.91130.2464.9793.3994.7470.49122.0685.96114.29
Massachusetts 197.6826.3269.1488.76131.56133.05148.1175.23185.58111.3896.11
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Worcester County 74.1418.6951.3159.05155.47141.3593.4062.14189.4397.77103.62
Hampden County 31.0911.7610.9121.2067.8660.5068.2166.32113.4194.2380.78
Berkshire County 28.464.5915.4154.1111.9434.1552.7139.1185.5878.45130.04
Franklin County 42.2822.5523.2419.5020.0224.1943.3850.8865.5572.79125.70


Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025