Have you ever wondered how your last name might reveal fascinating details about your past? In this episode, we dive into the world of Italian surnames, exploring their origins and meanings, divided into four main categories. Discover how patronymics and matronymics, derived from the father’s or mother’s name, have deep roots in the Middle Ages. We analyze the differences between the “di” and “de” variants, with examples such as the famous singer Pino Daniele, and the role these surnames played in identifying people. We then move on to toponyms, those surnames that tell the geographical history of people. Imagine migrants of the past, identified by the name of their place of origin, such as “di Napoli” or “Sorrentino.” We make an interesting comparison with common surnames in America such as Calabrese and Cosentino, highlighting the importance of geographical names in everyday life in the past. We also delve into the use of geographical names derived from local features, such as Fiume, and how these helped people identify themselves in an era without street names or house numbers. Hai mai pensato a come il tuo cognome potrebbe rivelare dettagli affascinanti sul tuo passato? In questa puntata, ci immergiamo nel mondo dei cognomi italiani, esplorando le loro origini e significati, suddivisi in quattro categorie principali. Scopri come i patronimici e matronimici, derivati dal nome del padre o della madre, abbiano radici profonde nel Medioevo. Analizziamo le differenze tra le varianti “di” e “de”, con esempi come il celebre cantante Pino Daniele, e il ruolo che questi cognomi giocavano nell’identificazione delle persone. Passiamo poi ai toponimi, quei cognomi che raccontano la storia geografica delle persone. Immagina i migranti di un tempo, identificati attraverso il nome del loro luogo di origine, come “di Napoli” o “Sorrentino”. Facciamo un interessante confronto con i cognomi comuni in America come Calabrese e Cosentino, mettendo in luce l’importanza dei nomi geografici nella vita quotidiana del passato. Approfondiamo anche l’uso di nomi geografici derivati da caratteristiche locali, come Fiume, e come questi elementi aiutassero le persone a identificarsi in un’epoca senza nomi di strade o numeri civici. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

In part 1 Raffaele Fontanella explains the origins of surnames from the renaissance, how dialects impacted first names and surnames based on his book “Cognomi di Stabia”. How the Romans used first names, surnames and nicknames. How the Germans named people and how that impacted Italian names. And an introduction to part 2 where he will explain the 4 naming conventions in Italy. Thank you to Rich DiPalma for the translation. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.

Nicola DiGuglielmo’s journey from Andretta, Italy to New Jersey is nothing short of remarkable. Picture a family driven by love and determination, uprooted from their small Italian hometown in search of a brighter future in America. Nicola reflects on his father’s struggle to create opportunities in a land where none existed, and how this relentless spirit paved the way for Nicola’s successful medical career spanning nearly four decades. In this episode, we uncover the layers of his personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of Italian heritage and the meaningful contributions of Italian Americans. From the humble beginnings in Andretta to the comfort of Long Branch, Nicola paints a vivid picture of his family’s transition from communal living to the modern American lifestyle. We explore the trials and triumphs of this significant shift, touching on memories of his hometown’s transformation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its younger generation. A poignant visit to the family cemetery and the stories from a 97-year-old cousin, acting as the family historian, add depth and richness to Nicola’s narrative, offering listeners a heartfelt connection to his roots. We also traverse Nicola’s fascinating family history, uncovering stories of theological vocations and political ambitions. Discover how these diverse legacies influenced Nicola’s path in medicine and his daughter’s venture into politics. As we discuss the role of the church and the enduring traditions of his ancestors, Nicola’s reflections offer a sense of belonging and continuity. To round off, we guide you through the cultural marvels of Florence, personal ties to historical families, and the allure of Milan’s vibrant scene. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and memories, blending cultural heritage with practical travel tips for anyone enchanted by Italy’s rich history. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Could you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna and Sam Marabella, revealed his adoption to him. We also dive into the historical context of the “baby scoop” era, during which thousands of Italian babies found new homes in America, adding a layer of emotional and historical depth to Santo’s journey. Santo’s tale takes a dramatic turn with an unexpected reunion in Italy, a trip initially planned for a friend’s wedding that evolved into a life-changing quest to find his biological family. Listen as Santo recounts the emotional highs and lows of meeting his parents and siblings for the first time, saying bittersweet farewells, and the enduring promise of staying in touch. This chapter of Santo’s life is filled with heartwarming moments, language barriers, and the ongoing hope of reuniting with his younger sister after decades of separation. The journey doesn’t stop there. Santo opens up about the profound grief and healing process following the loss of his adoptive parents and a beloved pet. Volunteering at an animal shelter and reconnecting with his Italian family became pivotal in his healing journey. Explore themes of belonging, identity, and the importance of understanding one’s ancestry, as Santo uncovers fascinating connections to both American and Italian heritage. This episode celebrates the joy of discovering personal stories and the powerful bonds formed through family ties and adoption. Italian Roots and Genealogy is proud to share that Santo D. Marabella, adoptee born in Italy in 1961, is producing a first-person documentary about his adoption, called Il Mio Posto a Tavola (My Place at the Table).  His journey will build into a broader story about the universal need to belong and what can get in the way for each person, adoptees and non-adoptees alike, of finding your “place at the table.” Santo’s team, lead by Tracy Schott,filmmaker and social worker, are pleased to announce that they will be filming in Italy this September with members of Santo’s Italian family and his American “family” who are accompanying him on the trip! You can view the work-in-progress of the film here: https://vimeo.com/984296330/5027660402?share=copy For more information on the project and how you can support it, click:  IlMioPostoFilm.com  Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

When John Vallillo lost his mother in 2005, he had no idea it would ignite a passionate journey into uncovering his Italian roots. Join us as John takes us through the meticulous process of tracing his great-grandfather Giovanni Vallillo’s story, including the surprising discovery that Giovanni’s name was altered at a cemetery in Cleveland. John’s emotional connection to his heritage and thrilling moments of discovery—likened to the adventures of Indiana Jones—will captivate anyone intrigued by genealogy and family history. Our conversation with John also transports us to Italy, exploring the cultural richness of various regions and personal anecdotes from his repeated travels. John shines a light on the poignant story of Clotilde, an abandoned baby in the 1800s, and how DNA research can reveal long-lost relatives and intricate family histories. We delve into societal attitudes towards family history and economic disparities in Italy, showcasing the resilience of descendants who overcame past hardships. We further uncover the fascinating world of DNA analysis and its ability to transform our understanding of heritage. John shares compelling stories of his great-grandparents’ challenges, the early death of his great-grandfather from tuberculosis, and the subsequent remarriage of his great-grandmother. Through DNA discoveries, John has connected with long-lost relatives and even linked to notable figures like Fred Bungusto. This episode emphasizes the importance of cherishing family stories and how serendipitous moments can lead to meaningful discoveries, inspiring listeners to embark on their own genealogical adventures. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.