I would like to encourage any men with Algeo surname to think about DNA testing, through an organization like Family Tree DNA.

We have a couple of different "founding legends." I believe the most commonly accepted one is that the Italian Jacobo Algeo came to Scotland in the 1400's and most of us descend from him. There is another theory that Algeos in Ireland are descendants of Spanish sailors.

What I have to contribute is that my Algeo brother had his DNA tested and it turned out to be classic Anglo-Saxon -- very little likelhood, although always possible -- of Italian or Spanish background. There is always the possibility of the "cuckoo in the nest" but it does raise questions to me about the standard assumptions of our descendancy.

So I would really love to see more Algeo surnamed men get tested!

if there is any interest in this, please let me know and I will pass on what information I have.

Santa Algeo Traugott