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How much do you know about your family tree? Could you name every branch going back for generations, or do you only know the names of a few leaves hanging close to you? Thankfully, whether your ancestors kept meticulous records or you were adopted and relocated halfway across the world as an infant, DNA technology has become incredibly advanced, and we all have access to our backgrounds through simply submitting a mouthful of saliva.

Unfortunately, however, the results of a DNA test are not always what curious participants had hoped for. After optimistically submitting their samples hoping to find out precisely which Eastern European cuisine they should be preparing on holidays, some people receive their results and are left questioning everything they know about their family members. We’ve gathered some of the most amusing, shocking and upsetting discoveries made from taking DNA tests, that have been shared on the 23andMe subreddit, and listed them below for you to read. I sincerely hope you don’t have any devastating stories of your own from having tests like this done, but if you do, know that you’re not alone.

Keep reading to also find an interview with host of the DNA Surprises Podcast, Alexis Hourselt, and then if you’re interested in reading even more stories about DNA tests revealing scandalous family secrets, we recommend checking out this Bored Panda article next.

23andMe has taken the world by storm with its innovative approach to educating consumers about their history. The company, which was launched in 2006, has sold over 12 million kits and has inspired the popular subreddit which has over 85k members. On the subreddit, users commonly discuss family problems and discoveries, ask questions and seek help, discuss their health reports, share PSAs and converse about their test results. And while some users have fun sharing their new-found knowledge, others use the page to seek comfort when they learn upsetting information.

Scrolling through the community, you can find many stories posted by users who suddenly are wondering why one parent’s test came back so differently from theirs or why the story they have been told their entire life about their origin does not seem to add up anymore. And while human error is always a possibility, for the most part, DNA tests don’t lie. I would not recommend taking one if you are scared of what family secrets might be revealed.

#2

Met My Biological Sister Today! (Both Adopted From China By Different American Families)

Met My Biological Sister Today! (Both Adopted From China By Different American Families)

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#3

Today Is My Dad's 60th Birthday. This Saturday, He Met His Biological Mother For The Very First Time

Today Is My Dad's 60th Birthday. This Saturday, He Met His Biological Mother For The Very First Time

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Bella10
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwww. I met mine a couple of months ago thanks to AncestryDNA. It was a happy reunion and a big part of the missing piece in my life.

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The creator of 23andMe, Anne Wojcicki, sat down with CNBC in 2018 to provide some insight on the background of the company and what her goals were. She explained that in 2006, she abandoned her career in biotech investing to focus on the dream she had of putting individuals’ personal health data in the palm of their hands, all from a small saliva sample. 

“I was always impressed by the eagerness of individuals to learn about their health and take action,” Wojcicki said. “They just needed the opportunity and time to learn and absorb.” In 2013, however, she encountered some issues with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration demanding she stop selling her kids until they were approved by the FDA. Finally, in 2018, 23andMe earned their seal of approval from the FDA, and Wojcicki was able to start marketing her kids to the general public yet again. 

#4

In Case You Didn't See The News, 9,000 Year Old Cheddar Man Descendant

In Case You Didn't See The News, 9,000 Year Old Cheddar Man Descendant

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Apathetic Bovine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people move halfway around the world in one generation. Others move half a mile in 300 generations.

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#5

For Christmas We Gave Uncle And His Wife 23 & Me

For Christmas We Gave Uncle And His Wife 23 & Me

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#6

A 23andme Fairytale - Found My Real Dad And He’s More Than I Could Ask For In A Father

A 23andme Fairytale - Found My Real Dad And He’s More Than I Could Ask For In A Father

ElleCane Report

23andMe can provide life-saving health information to consumers, as it was the first company to be approved to inform women of their breast cancer risk based on gene mutations, without requiring a doctor’s opinion. “Since our earliest days, we wanted to pioneer a path where people can get their genetic information directly and do not have to go through a physician or genetic counselor for access or interpretation,” Wojcicki told CNBC.

Today, 23andMe is also approved to inform users of their risks for Celiac disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease as well. In fact, it can even tell prospective parents whether they might pass along the cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hereditary hearing loss, or many other gene abnormalities. Although the site is most famous for users being genuinely curious about their backgrounds and wanting to understand themselves or their family histories better, it is also a game changer when it comes to understanding personal health risks.

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#9

A Relative Turned Out To Be A Half-Sister And Niece

A Relative Turned Out To Be A Half-Sister And Niece

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To learn more about the surprises that taking a DNA test can lead to, we reached out to Alexis Hourselt, host of the DNA Surprises Podcast. When asked what inspired her to launch this show, Alexis told Bored Panda, "I started DNA Surprises after experiencing my own NPE (non-paternal event). In July of 2021, I learned that the man who raised me is not my biological father—he’d unofficially adopted me when I was two months old. I also learned that I am not biracial white and Mexican, but white and African American. I decided to start the podcast to help others share their stories and feel less alone. This experience is very isolating, but sharing our stories helps us connect and heal."

#10

You Can Call Me Ms. Worldwide

You Can Call Me Ms. Worldwide

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#12

Returned From Vacation With Family And This Was Waiting For Me From My Newly Found Biological Family. It Was My Mother's Who Passed In The 70s. Her Family Has Been Looking For Me For 50 Years. Met Them All This Past October. Probably One Of The Most Important Christmas Gifts I Will Ever Receive

Returned From Vacation With Family And This Was Waiting For Me From My Newly Found Biological Family. It Was My Mother's Who Passed In The 70s. Her Family Has Been Looking For Me For 50 Years. Met Them All This Past October. Probably One Of The Most Important Christmas Gifts I Will Ever Receive

tanhauser_gates_ Report

We also asked Alexis if she thinks that it is important for everyone to have a DNA test done. "Taking a DNA test is a very personal decision," she says. "I’m glad I took mine because I’d rather know the truth, but that is not the case for all. Everyone who takes a test should be aware of possible outcomes." She's right. Even if you plan to only take a DNA test for fun, it is important to understand that there are always risks. If you find out something that you did not want to know, it may alter the course of your life or cause you to question your identity.

#13

So I Befriended A Distant Cousin From Britain Through 23 And Me! We Both Love Queen And Ended Up Becoming Penpals, Which Was Awesome Because I Was Incredibly Lonely During Quarantine. Today, I Found A Present At My Doorstep!

So I Befriended A Distant Cousin From Britain Through 23 And Me! We Both Love Queen And Ended Up Becoming Penpals, Which Was Awesome Because I Was Incredibly Lonely During Quarantine. Today, I Found A Present At My Doorstep!

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#14

They Found A Grandma They Didn't Know They Had

They Found A Grandma They Didn't Know They Had

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We also asked Alexis about some of the wildest stories she has heard from people who have taken DNA tests. "Racial shifts in identity like mine are always shocking," she told Bored Panda. "I’ve spoken to people who thought they were white and ended up being half black and people who thought they were half black who ended up being half Jewish. I’ve spoken to someone who thought they were one hundred percent African American who turned out to be biracial like me. There are a lot of cross-cultural discoveries like this, and they deeply affect people."

#16

Just Met My Half Brother! 5 Years Apart, And Grew Up Only A Few Hours Away

Just Met My Half Brother! 5 Years Apart, And Grew Up Only A Few Hours Away

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#17

They Discovered Their Father Wasn't Their Father

They Discovered Their Father Wasn't Their Father

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"Some people end up having double NPEs (non-paternal events) or DNA surprises—they’ll learn their birth certificate father isn’t their dad and their mother shares the name of another man," Alexis shared. "People start building relationships with the 'bio dad' only to learn that isn’t their father either. That double shock makes these stories even harder."

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"Another thing that can complicate DNA discoveries is endogamy—in some cultures or small communities cousins marry cousins," Alexis explained. "I spoke to a guest who had family in Mexico, and endogamy made it extremely difficult to find her biological father."

#19

Their Sister Dated A Secret Brother For Four Years

Their Sister Dated A Secret Brother For Four Years

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#20

Houston, We Have A Problem

Houston, We Have A Problem

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"One of the biggest things people don’t think about in these situations is the medical history piece of DNA surprises," Alexis added. "We spend our lives with half of our history being a lie—people inherit medical issues that they can’t explain because they don’t know where they come from."

"This is also very common," she says. "It’s estimated that 5 percent of the population has misattributed parentage, whether they know it or not. That translates to 16 million Americans. If all NPEs comprised a state, we’d be the fifth largest!"

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If you'd like to hear even more crazy stories about DNA surprises or hear more about Alexis' story, be sure to check out the DNA Surprises Podcast right here.

#22

Asian Parents Be Like

Asian Parents Be Like

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Michelle Takata
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha!! Me too!! My test results were 99.8% Japanese and 0.2% Korean. My mom’s response was “Where did that Korean come from?”

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#23

Found Out I Have A Vietnamese 1st Cousin. My Grandpa Went To Vietnam For The War, Came Back, Had 8 Kids (My Dad), Come To Find Out Years Later I Have A Cousin That Moved To The States And I Had The Opportunity To Meet And Share Stories :) Thanks 23andme

Found Out I Have A Vietnamese 1st Cousin. My Grandpa Went To Vietnam For The War, Came Back, Had 8 Kids (My Dad), Come To Find Out Years Later I Have A Cousin That Moved To The States And I Had The Opportunity To Meet And Share Stories :) Thanks 23andme

PonyDanger Report

#24

Family Secrets Exposed For Just One Easy Payment Of $99!

Family Secrets Exposed For Just One Easy Payment Of $99!

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Emily Phillips
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorta same thing happened to me. My family always said that we were Cherokee due to our dark skin, high cheekbones, etc. Then I found out we're actually Mediterranean.

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If you’re interested in having a DNA test done, Dr. Robert H. Shmerling of Harvard Medical School recommends you choose the right test for your personal goals. For example, if you are simply curious about your family history, 23andMe might be a good option. But if you are concerned about health risks and want to be sure you are not at high risk for certain medical issues, it might be better to have a more comprehensive test done by doctors. 23andMe only tests 24 gene variants, while other tests can include over 2,000. And in one study of over 4,500 participants, nearly 70% of them, including 94% of Black and 85% of Hispanic participants, would have missed important gene variants that present health risks had they only been tested through 23andMe. 

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#25

I Found My Egg Donor After Searching For Years And Met Her Accidentally On 23&me!

I Found My Egg Donor After Searching For Years And Met Her Accidentally On 23&me!

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Velocity Raptor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend is a triplet, he knew growing up that his parents used IVF but was always told his parents were his bio parents. Upon doing an ancestry kit he was connected to his biological Dad-- he confirmed that he donated sperm at one point. Friend introduced himself and informed The sperm donor that he is a triplet and has two brothers. He has even connected with half siblings. BUT he hasn't told anyone in his family, not his brothers and not his parents; says its not his secret to tell. I feel like that's such a heavy burden to carry!

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#26

Their Long-Lost Aunt Could Have A Health Condition

Their Long-Lost Aunt Could Have A Health Condition

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Is this list inspiring you to have your own DNA tests done? Whether you have tried 23andMe before or you have no interest in seeing your DNA results on paper, we hope you’re enjoying this list of shocking and amusing results from the service. Be sure to upvote the stories that you find most compelling, and then let us know in the comments if you have any personal experiences with DNA testing revealing family secrets. I’ve never taken one of these tests myself, but now I would be interested to know my results. Hopefully, it won’t lead to a panicked phone call to my mother…

#28

Just Found Out My Dad Is A R*pist

Just Found Out My Dad Is A R*pist

23throwaway232323 Report

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Florence O'Grady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is no "dad". There is the man who raised you, loves you, kissed your boo boo's. That man is your Dad. He was, is, and always will be your Dad. That other person was a sperm donor and nothing more.

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#29

I Was Adopted In Mexico And Told All My Life I Was Mexican. All I Know Is I Might Have 8-10 Other Siblings And No Idea About My Birth Parents

I Was Adopted In Mexico And Told All My Life I Was Mexican. All I Know Is I Might Have 8-10 Other Siblings And No Idea About My Birth Parents

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Whitefox
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Native American just means native to the Americas.. Which would include Mexico I would imagine.

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#30

After 32 Years, I Finally Have Proof Of Who My Father Is. After 3 Decades Of Hearing My Mother Be Called A Liar, I Have Proof. My Father Was Murdered The Day I Was Born, My Grandparents Accused My Mom Of Lieing In Order To Get Money From Them. My Cousin Helped Me Prove It, And I'm So Grateful

After 32 Years, I Finally Have Proof Of Who My Father Is. After 3 Decades Of Hearing My Mother Be Called A Liar, I Have Proof. My Father Was Murdered The Day I Was Born, My Grandparents Accused My Mom Of Lieing In Order To Get Money From Them. My Cousin Helped Me Prove It, And I'm So Grateful

BlackTo0thGrin Report

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Bron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad story, and what horrible people those grandparents are

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#31

My Parents Are Now Divorcing Because Of My Results :(

My Parents Are Now Divorcing Because Of My Results :(

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Kimberly Alison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m so sorry 😢. This is very sad, but in no way your fault. Their marriage already had problems.

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#32

I’m An American With Immigrant Parents From Liberia And Poland. A Near Perfect 50/50 Split

I’m An American With Immigrant Parents From Liberia And Poland. A Near Perfect 50/50 Split

SnooGiraffes7345 Report

#33

Almost 23 Years Ago A Court-Ordered Paternity Test Said A Child Was Not Mine. Guess What???

Almost 23 Years Ago A Court-Ordered Paternity Test Said A Child Was Not Mine. Guess What???

SpiderW3bb Report

#34

Born In France To An Algerian Father And A Japanese Mother. My Parents Definetly Didnt Lie To Me Lol

Born In France To An Algerian Father And A Japanese Mother. My Parents Definetly Didnt Lie To Me Lol

JiAgain Report

#35

Bio Dad Found. I'm Done. Overjoyed To Finally Be Able To Stop Searching! Thank You 23&me!

Bio Dad Found. I'm Done. Overjoyed To Finally Be Able To Stop Searching! Thank You 23&me!

punksrnotded Report

#36

Found Out My Dad Isn’t My Dad 23 Years Later. Nobody Knew

Found Out My Dad Isn’t My Dad 23 Years Later. Nobody Knew

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#37

My Parents Were Mad I Spent $100 On Something They Already Knew. (South Indian Results)

My Parents Were Mad I Spent $100 On Something They Already Knew. (South Indian Results)

shaunsajan Report

#38

I Always Thought I Had Some Asian In Me ... Turns Out I’m Just Really Native American

I Always Thought I Had Some Asian In Me ... Turns Out I’m Just Really Native American

Cu4utl3 Report

#40

They Found Out Their Boyfriend Was Their Fourth Cousin

They Found Out Their Boyfriend Was Their Fourth Cousin

_muff1n_ Report

#41

He Responded This Morning. We Talked For 3½ Hours. He's Also Adopted But Was Able To Answer Lots Of Biological Questions

He Responded This Morning. We Talked For 3½ Hours. He's Also Adopted But Was Able To Answer Lots Of Biological Questions

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Amy Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My cousin Michael (by marriage...he married my first cousin) is mixed race black/white. He was adopted by a wonderful family that adored him. He did a DNA test and found out that he has 2 half sisters. He contacts them immediately and they were absolutely stunned but overjoyed. They are white. Turns out that his birth mom cheated on her husband with a black man and had some explaining to do when he was born. Her husband was furious and didn't accept him because he's a racist POS. The birth mom ended up abandoning him at a daycare and then put him up for adoption. All of this was swept under the rug and they had 2 more children that never knew of his existence. The sisters flew out here to California when we were having one of our huge family get togethers and we all fell in love with them. They were really angry with their mom, and she was furious that they contacted him, and still refuses to have anything to do with him. So sad.

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#42

They Found Out They Were Adopted, 60 Years Later

They Found Out They Were Adopted, 60 Years Later

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Mélissa Lauzé
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from Quebec and in charge of my family tree. Made it all the way back to France. I might have a few resources that could help. Don't know where you're at in the research but if you have names try genealogie-info.ca

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#44

My Results! Oh And I Found My Long Lost Sibling

My Results! Oh And I Found My Long Lost Sibling

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#45

Dad: You Really Like To Waste Money On Obvious Results Aye? I Could Have Told You For Free

Dad: You Really Like To Waste Money On Obvious Results Aye? I Could Have Told You For Free

GrimHappiness Report

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whatscookin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bruh these dna tests are making me feel curious af. i do know that my ancestors did not originally come from the country im living in right now, but im still curious haha. like, it's possible that they might have come from places further away

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#49

Mom May Have Had An Affair

Mom May Have Had An Affair

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#50

They Had A Different Background Than They Thought

They Had A Different Background Than They Thought

FunkyDiscoKat Report

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Carol Emerson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You might have had ancestors who were white and Native American... who knows if it's just one person or not... doesn't matter. What does is that your genes can be any mix of all your ancestors. The percent is not based on the number of ancestors but in the amount of genes that just randomly joined up. Know the science before being upset about percent.

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