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Haplogroup N-Z1939

N-Z1939 (Major Finnish founder lineage)

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

N-VL62

Formed (estimate)

c. 4,000–4,500 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 2,000–2,500 years ago

Z1939

Overview

N-Z1939 is the single most widespread paternal lineage in Finland and one of the strongest regional founder effects documented among Uralic-speaking populations. Emerging in the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, Z1939 defines a demographic pulse that deeply shaped the genetic landscape of Finland. Its rapid expansion coincides with increasing sedentism, agricultural adoption, lake-centric settlement networks and the cultural consolidation of early Finnic groups.

Geographic distribution

Z1939 reaches exceptionally high frequencies in Finland (30–60% depending on region) and is common in Karelia. Moderate representation occurs in Estonia and northwest Russia. Small clusters appear in Sweden due to later Finnish migration.

Ancient DNA

Ancient DNA from Iron Age Finland carries upstream branches of Z1939.
Coalescent dates align with proto-Finnic population growth in the Saimaa–Ladoga region.
Z1939’s massive modern frequency reflects pronounced medieval founder effects.

Phylogeny & subclades

Z1939 is a dominant descendant of VL62. Downstream it splits into several major and many minor branches (including Y7308, Y7310, BY10160, and numerous Finnish medieval clusters). Its phylogeny is well-resolved due to extensive FTDNA BigY sampling.

N-Y7308
N-Y7310
N-Y9022
Multiple Finnish-specific microlineages

Notes & context