CELEBRITY GENEALOGY
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Megan Rapinoe’s Roots
Megan Rapinoe’s been blowing minds for some time now, but her (latest) stellar FIFA World Cup performance coupled with her blunt, yet thoughtful commentary have propelled her onto an entirely new level of the international stage. She’s provided a massive inspirational injection to millions at a time when we needed it most.
So naturally, as a genealogist, I felt compelled to take a peek into her past — meaning her ancestral, rather than personal, history. At this point, I’ve only had the chance to take a quick dive into the paternal side of her heritage, so more remains to be told, but here are a few bits and pieces that bubbled up.
1) Her ancestry is one-quarter Italian, and as a fellow Megan and Irish-American, I’m delighted to say that it’s also one-quarter Irish (yes, the classic garlic-Gaelic combination usually associated with New Jersey). It probably shouldn’t surprise anyone that her Irish relatives include a few who stood up to the British.
2) As to the Italian and Irish towns that get bragging rights for Megan, take a bow, Lanciano and Ripacandida, Italy, and Treanacally and Kilrooskey, Ireland!
3) Surnames from this half of her family tree include the following: Bermingham/Birmingham, Casalanguida, Gallagher…
