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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup R-Z381

Macro-haplogroup
R
Parent clade
R1b-U106
Formed (estimate)
c. 4600 years ago
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 4000 years ago

Overview

R-Z381 is a major branch of R-U106 that expanded significantly during the Bronze Age. It is one of the most widespread subclades associated with Germanic migrations and early central European populations. Z381 lineages diversified into multiple clusters that today represent some of the most common U106 derived haplogroups in northwestern Europe.

Geographic distribution

Highest frequencies in Germany, the Netherlands, England, Denmark and Norway. It also appears across central and eastern Europe due to historical population movements.

Ancient DNA

  • Iron Age central European burials show Z381 derived sublineages in Germanic cultural contexts.
  • Early medieval Anglo Saxon remains from England include individuals belonging to Z381 branches.
  • Viking Age contexts in Scandinavia and the British Isles display several Z381 subclades.

Phylogeny & subclades

R-Z381 divides into multiple deeper branches including R-Z301 and R-L48, which together form large portions of modern U106 diversity. The branching patterns indicate substantial growth during the Nordic Bronze Age and early Germanic ethnogenesis.

  • R1b-Z301
  • R1b-L48

Notes & context

Z381 is critical for understanding Germanic paternal line histories, linking continental origins with later expansions across Europe.