How to Participate

Participation in the project is open to all individuals who are surnamed Francis, have similar surnames, or have reason to believe they might be related to the Francises through the paternal line. A few examples of similar surnames include France, Franceis, Francies, Francois, Francisco and LeFrancois.

The surname is open to both men and women of the Francis line. However, since women do not have y-chromosomes, to participate, they must test the DNA of a male relative named Francis, such as a father, brother or nephew.

Participation in the surname project itself is free. However, Y-DNA testing is a prerequisite, and there is a cost for this. The testing company for this project is Family Tree DNA. If you sign up for testing through the Francis surname group, you will be given a discount.

To sign up for DNA testing,

  1. Go to the Family Tree DNA website.
  2. On the right side of the page, locate the two text boxes below the word "search." The one on the left should say "equals" and the one on the right should be empty.
  3. Type the word "Francis" into the box on the right.
  4. Hit submit.
  5. You will be brought to a page containing all of the surname and geographic projects that contain individuals named "Francis."
  6. Click on the Francis surname project.
  7. At the bottom of the page, click on the "Order Now" button for the type of test you want to take. (A y-dna 37-marker test is recommended.).
  8. The site will then lead you through some forms that will allow you to put in information, such as your address and credit card number.
  9. After you complete the order, DNA testing kit will be sent to your home, containing instructions for use.
  10. Complete your test and mail back to Family Tree DNA.
  11. Family Tree DNA will contact you when your test results are ready in a few weeks.