Welcome to the Ralston Project
Y-DNA testing allows us to distinguish between unrelated Ralston lines and identify shared paternal ancestry that cannot be proven through documents alone. Over time, these results help reconstruct the deeper history of the Ralston surname.
The Ralston Project welcomes individuals with the surnames Ralston, Rolston, Roulston, Raulston, and other spelling variations. Throughout this site, the name “Ralston” is used as an inclusive term for all related lines.
Our goal is to clarify Ralston genealogy by identifying shared paternal ancestors and origins through Y-DNA research. Having a male from your direct Ralston line take a Y-DNA test is the most effective way to contribute to this effort.
New to the Project? Start Here
If you are new to Y-DNA testing or to this project, these pages will help you get started:
We recommend starting with these guides — they explain how Y-DNA testing works and how to participate in the project.
Ways You Can Contribute
Even if you are not ready to test yet, you can still help the project grow:
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Help spread awareness of the project and identify potential candidates for testing
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Share family tree information that may help connect Ralston lineages
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Sponsor or donate toward Y-DNA testing for participants who need assistance or for testing that advances the project as a whole
Lineages of Special Interest
While the project welcomes participation from all Ralston surname lines and spelling variations, certain lineages are of particular research interest at this time because additional Y-DNA evidence may help clarify historical connections and origins.
- Irish Rollestons, Roulstons, or Rolstons with clear English descent
- English Rollestons, Roulstons, or Rolstons
- Scottish Ralstons with ancestors from Beith, Kilwinning, Glasgow and surrounds.
- Irish Roulstons/Rolstons/Ralstons, etc., or descendants of such.
- Descendants of John Tate Ralston, born 1774 in South Carolina, died 1827 in Georgia
- Descendants of John Roulstone, born 1653, possibly in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, died 1717 in Boston, MA.
- Any Ralston who wishes to learn more about the origin of their paternal lineage.
If you believe you may connect to one of these lines, please contact us.
Project Snapshot
The Ralston Project was established in 2014 and currently includes 168 members contributing DNA results and genealogy research.
This website is a complementary resource to the Ralston Surname Project at FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) and helps participants understand results, share research, and explore historical connections.
Helpful Resources
The following resources may help you better understand Y-DNA testing and haplogroups:
FAMILYTREEDNA DISCOVER Haplogroup Age Estimation
Questions?
If you are unsure whether your family line fits the project, or if you have questions about testing, please use the Contact Information page — we’re happy to assist.