Cao (Cao Cao imperial lineage) Surname: Y-DNA Haplogroup
Published genetics research or a documented case study links the surname Cao (Cao Cao imperial lineage) to a specific Y-DNA paternal-line haplogroup.
O2-F1462 (broad O2-M268)
Clade O
Also spelled: 曹操, Cao Cao, Wei dynasty founder line
Fudan University (Jin/Li Hui lab) collected genealogies of clans claiming 70-100 generation descent from Wei dynasty founder Cao Cao, found significant O2-M268 enrichment, then confirmed with ancient DNA from his granduncle Cao Ding's tomb. Distinct clan/haplogroup from the existing "Cao" entry (Yunnan Tusi chieftain line claiming Mongol/Jochi descent) already in the database.
Source: Wang CC, Yan S, Hou Z, Fu W, Xiong M, Han S, Jin L, Li H. "Present Y chromosomes reveal the ancestry of Emperor CAO Cao of 1800 years ago." Journal of Human Genetics 2012;57(3):216-218; and Wang CC et al. "Ancient DNA of Emperor CAO Cao's granduncle matches those of his present descendants." Journal of Human Genetics 2013.
How to read this. A surname match means some people with that surname, in a specific study or family record, were found to share a haplogroup, most likely due to a shared patrilineal ancestor generations back. It is not proof that you personally carry that haplogroup: surnames change through adoption, remarriage, non-paternity events, and independent origin of the same name in different families. For your own confirmed haplogroup, test your DNA with our HaploAI Y-DNA/mtDNA predictor.
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