You may have Romani, Traveller or Gypsy ancestry if your family tree includes common Romani or Gypsy surnames such as Boss, Boswell, Buckland, Chilcott, Codona, Cooper, Doe, Lee, Gray/Grey, Harrison, Hearn, Heron, Hodgkins, Holland, Lee, Lovell, Loveridge, Royles/Ryalls, Scamp, Smith, Stevens/Stephens, Wood and Young.

Determining if you have "Gypsy blood" (ancestry from the Romani or Traveler communities) is a complex process that usually involves a combination of genealogical research and DNA testing. From a genetic standpoint, many people with Romani ancestry carry specific DNA markers tracing back to Northwestern India, where the Romani people originated before migrating into Europe around a thousand years ago. Modern commercial DNA kits (like 23andMe or AncestryDNA) can often identify these "South Asian" or "Roma" ethnic components. Beyond genetics, you can look for cultural clues in your family history, such as specific surnames, oral traditions of a nomadic lifestyle, or ancestors listed in historical "Gypsy" censuses or parish records. It is important to approach this search with sensitivity, as the term "Gypsy" is considered a slur by some groups who prefer Romani, Roma, or Sinti. Identifying this heritage can be a rewarding way to connect with a rich, resilient culture that has maintained its distinct identity across centuries and borders.