Does Joe Biden Have Italian Ancestry?

The question of Joe Biden's ancestry has been a topic of much debate and speculation. However, when examining the facts, it becomes clear that the claim of Italian ancestry does not hold up to scrutiny. Joe Biden is, in fact, of Irish, English, and French descent. This detailed examination will debunk the common misconception and highlight his true heritage.

No, Joe Biden Does Not Have Italian Ancestry

Many have suggested that Joe Biden might have Italian ancestry, often to make political points or to highlight his diverse ethnic background. However, a thorough look at his lineage reveals a different story. Joe Biden's ancestors were predominantly Normans, with ties to Ireland and England, long before any Italian presence in the region.

Norman Ancestry in England

The roots of Joe Biden's ancestry can be traced back to the Norman conquest of England. His ancestors came from Brittany, a region in northwestern France, and were part of the Norman immigration that followed the conquest. Many Normans settled in Wessex during the reign of King Henry II, either as soldiers or in various service roles, including providing haberdashery services. They later moved to Ireland as part of the Treaty of Windsor, which followed the deposition of the King of Leinster.

Catholic Royalists

Joe Biden's ancestors were Catholic and Royalists. They held favorable positions with the Irish Crown for many years, until the Cromwellian wars in the 1630s and the Williamite war in the 1690s stripped them of their privileges. Despite these challenges, his ancestors remained rooted in the Irish and English landscapes, with their main ancestral home still standing in England today.

1790

According to historical records, one of Joe Biden's great-great-grandfathers traded his "permit" (possibly a fishing license) for a passage to the New World. It is believed that he sold his Irish-type fishing boat to fund his journey. This group of Hiberno-Scottish Colonial administrators, often called Ulster Scots, arrived in Maryland or Virginia around 1790. This has led to the misconception that he has Irish ancestry, which is correct, but not specifically Irish in the traditional sense.

Joe Biden's Current Ancestry

Joe Biden's current ancestry is predominantly Irish, English, and French. His father's family primarily includes English, French, and Irish ancestry, while his mother's side is purely Irish. Among his 16 great-grandparents, 10 were born in Ireland. This extensive Irish lineage highlights the deep roots of his heritage in the Emerald Isle.

Jill Biden: Italian Ancestry

It is worth noting that Jill Biden, Joe's wife, has partial Italian ancestry. Her maiden name, Jacobs, was anglicized from the Italian Giacoppo by her paternal grandfather after he immigrated to the US from Gesso, a village on the island of Sicily. Despite this Italian connection, Jill Biden is also of English and Scottish descent through her maternal ancestry. This adds another layer of diversity to the Biden family lineage.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the claim that Joe Biden has Italian ancestry is inaccurate. His true heritage is primarily Irish, with significant English and French influences. The historical evidence clearly shows that his ancestors were involved in the Norman conquest of England and later settled in Ireland, where they remained for generations. For anyone interested in the Biden family's history, this detailed ancestry provides a clear and accurate understanding of their ethnic background.