Is it normal to have a long-term, recurring dream of other lives?

I've had them for so long I could write a book about them.
One had me at some point when I was in my teen years. I was female and must have been born to different parents. Over time I realized this person was very unlike who I was. Now, this person has become somewhat like I am now and seems as if I had been born female this is most likely how my life would have played out.
*I have never had any urges in exploring being a woman. I was married once and the relationship lasted 9 years. There is more.
I have had somewhat 'real' dreams like this but what seems to be in the past. Maybe 1700s or so. Both sexes and more male in this regard.
One common theme is at the start this 'life' isn't on the lower-income/harder life spectrum but at some point, things improve in every one.Each persona seems to make the most of their situation, sacrifices, and does things to get out of that life.
I should have started writing a journal of these and all but I haven't. They are quite vivid. Not hazy or brief. I can recall smells and some things quite vividly. I didn't feel out of place in any of them; the past dreams and in both sexes. I don't know what to make of it.
Lastly, I heard of how memories can be passed down through our DNA. It's only a theory though but I know I'm not the only one who's had these, yet only finding very few in number.