There are over 300,000 Italian surnames and the origins are really very interesting. Have you ever thought about the origin of your Italian name? If so, I’d like to recommend the book “Our Italian Surnames” by Joseph G. Fucilla. While this book does not list all 300,000 Surnames, it does give us great insight into the evolution of both given names and surnames.
Our Italian Surnames covers every fact of Italian names and naming practices. It is here we discover, for example, that Bussolari is Italian for compass, Orsini means bear, and Passalacqua stands for butterfly. Besides given names and the evolution of Italian surnames, the book contains chapters devoted to pet names, botanical names, geographical names, bird names, insect names, occupational names, and more. Written for a popular audience, each chapter of the book is a separate and informative unit in itself. Complete with a list of sources and an index of more than 7,500 names, Our Italian Surnames is a monument to the late Professor Fucilla’s lifelong interest in the language and names of Italia.
Catch a quick idea about the book in the podcast below.
Podcast
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What Are The Top Ten Italian Surnames
Did you know that there are over 300,000 Italian surnames! That’s more than any other country in the world. We have complied the top ten below. Chances are that your name is not in this group, but for those interested in learning more, the book above list 7,500. More importantly, we get great insight into the origin of surnames and given names. Click on the photo and enter IR2020 at checkout for a 20% discount.
Best Italian Surname Search
Best Italian Surname Search is an update from a our previous post from March 3. Updated with some new information. I attempted to find mostly free ones, but a couple may ask for sign up. This is a really cool site as it gives the origin for your name, also variations and popularity in the US — Behind the Name This is a pretty neat one as it shows the map of Italy with the
Reviving Italian Folk Music: A Journey with Allaboara
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Anthony Taddeo from the Italian musical group Allaboara. They discuss Anthony’s Italian heritage, family roots, and the traditions that shaped his identity. The conversation delves into the discovery of Italian folk music, the formation of Allaboara, and the cultural impact of their performances. They explore regional variations in Italian folk music, the instruments used, and the evolution of the genre. The discussion highlights the importance of preserving cultural practices
The Journey Home — Day 6 — Torre del Greco and Boscotrecase
Click here to join out Facebook group The original plan for today was to make a quick late morning stop to the cemetery in Cercola to see where my great-grandfather, Nicola Piromallo was buried. However, at the lunch on June 4th my Zio Nicola (more about that later) told me that he wanted us to visit family in Torre del Greco. So we were able to work that into the schedule. Cercola is about 30
Wine By The Class – What are the types of wine?
In this conversation, Anthony Verdoni introduces the world of Italian wines, sharing his extensive experience in the wine business since 1971. He discusses the significance of Italian wines, the various types, and provides insights into wine production statistics. The conversation transitions into a detailed exploration of fortified and aromatized wines, focusing on Marsala and vermouth. Anthony shares insights into the history, production, and types of Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily, and explores the characteristics
The American Italian Heritage Museum
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Phil DiNovo, the founder and executive director of the American Italian Heritage Museum. They discuss Phil’s Italian background, the journey of Italian immigrants, the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the importance of preserving Italian heritage. Phil shares insights about the establishment of the museum, community engagement, and the significance of collecting and preserving artifacts that represent Italian culture. The conversation highlights the contributions
Tuscany Tresures
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino speaks with Ilene and Gary Modica, authors of ‘Tuscany Treasures.’ They share their journey of obtaining dual citizenship through Gary’s grandfather, their experiences living in Lucca, and the process of selecting the perfect Italian town. The Modicas discuss their unique approach to writing a guidebook focused on local festivals and traditions, as well as the importance of experiencing the authentic Italian culture found in smaller towns. They also provide
Uncovering Italian Roots in Calabria and Campania
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Lisa Gagliardo about her Italian roots and family history. Lisa shares her family’s immigration story, cultural traditions, and the challenges faced by her ancestors. The discussion highlights the importance of ancestry research and the connection to Italian heritage, as well as the experiences of growing up Italian American. Lisa reflects on her discoveries and aspirations to visit her family’s hometown in Italy, emphasizing the significance of maintaining cultural identity
