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After over 20 years searching paper records without success I took yDNA tests with FamilyTreeDNA to see if my branch is related to the other person with my surname in the world who has taken a ydna test.We matched. He is from England. Our ancestors were in Surrey. My understanding of genetics is very poor to put it mildly. At FTDNA I was helped enormously by the manager of a project for surname Ruffle, especially concerning genetics. Since I got several matches for surname Mann in the USA I joined a project for that name at FTDNA. The help I receive from the manager of that project is incredible. Not only about DNA but also on paper records including clerics' and enumerators' handwriting through the ages. I also got matches for other surnames including a Ruffell in England. My main interest in geneology is my fatherline. Not knowing the first thing about DNA, x and y chromosomes (only men have a y chromosome as well as an x chromosome, women have 2 x chromosomes instead of an x and a y chromosome I have learnt) , the first test I took was autosomal. I got no ydna matches. Most matches I got were for my motherline. A few were for my father's female ancestors' descendants. Without taking the yDNA test with FTDNA I could not have found my male 6th cousin, nor guessed at my being related to any male Ruffell, not to mention Mann, Onstatt and Everly. The trouble is since few people take yDNA tests there will also be few fatherline matches no matter which DNA test you take. Since my main interest is my fatherline if I had known even the minimum I now know about x and y chromosomes I would not have taken an autosomal test.

I took ydna tests there.2 project managers give me invaluable help.Ancestry tests are autosomal.I dont think cross reference is possible between Ancestry and FTDNA.