Systems and methods trace performance data generated by a hardware synthesis tool chain to model elements of a model. During code generation, an initial in-memory representation is generated for the model. The in-memory representation includes a plurality of nodes that correspond to the model elements. The in-memory representation is subjected to transformations and optimizations creating transitional in-memory representations and a final in-memory representation from which HDL code is generated. A graph builder constructs a genealogy graph that traces the transformations and optimizations. The genealogy graph includes graph objects corresponding to the nodes of the in-memory representations. The synthesis tool chain utilizes the HDL code to perform hardware synthesis. The synthesis tool chain also generates performance data. Utilizing the genealogy graph, the performance data is mapped to the nodes of the initial in-memory representation, and to the elements of the model.