My information is that they started in Germany. I am trying to find out what part of Germany. There is a Phy DNA project right now at Family Tree DNA. So far, we have found out two different branches, that are evidently not related. You can go to the site for more information, and contact Daniella, the project administrator. The more people who join, the more likely we will all find out where we came from. My branch landed in Philadelphia in 1785. I am decended from Paul and Mary Phy. Mary was born in Burlington County, N.J.