My son-in-law can remember his father and grandfather 'speaking romany' and has always understood that there were 'travellers' in his family. His DNA cousins also remember their paternal ancestors 'speaking romany' too so it sounds is if there is some truth in this story.
The paternal family name is Bone, believed to be from London/Hampshire/Bedfordshire area in England before emigrating to Ontario, Canada approx 1920's. Bridal marry-in surnames to the Bone family over the centuries include Herbert, Wells, Smeeth, Lover, Wyatt, Fribburne, Newman. There is also an Irish line (Sullivan's) that I have not been able to take further back than the 1890's.
My question is which line is most likely to be the 'romany' line? I understand that Irish travellers are a different genetic group to romany gypsies who allegedly originated from Egypt. Are these names romany/traveller names? Is it possible that the Sullivan's were Irish travellers? Is there any way (i.e. DNA evidence) that would help me identify which line to pursue? Can anyone make any suggestions about the best way to go with this research please?
