Italian First Names

JB5150 · Explorer Joined: Sep 13, 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Florida

Hi Everyone--

As I've been researching, I have come across a number of Italian first names that seemed to be very popular at the time, but aren't anymore, or don't have a readily apparent English translation.

For example, I've found that my grandfather's sister's given name was Orazia, but she later became Alice when they moved to the US. Orazia doesn't really translate to Alice as far as I could tell, though. The best translation that I could come up with, is that it is the femenine version of Horatio.

I was wondering if there is a resource anywhere that lists (formerly) common Italian first names. Anyone know of anything like this? I think it would be helpful in attempting to decipher names on older records.

-Jill

chanchisfea · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 11, 2007 Posts: 250

Here is a link to a website with a huge amount of Italian names and their equivalent in English... Very Happy

www.behindthename.com/nmc/ita.php

Liz Cool

MikeSavoca91 · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 10, 2007 Posts: 399

Here is another link, hope it helps!

www.geocities.com/Hear...ame.html#R

Mike

Cathy · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 10, 2007 Posts: 2681

Liz's link is my favorite but here is another link:
www.nomix.it/700a.php

JB5150 · Explorer Joined: Sep 13, 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Florida

Thanks for all the links-- you guys are great!!

It's so interesting to see how the popularity of some of these names comes and goes in waves. My grandmother's name was Pasqualina and I've never met another one, but I've seen it quite a few times in some of the records I've found.

Cathy · V.I.P. Joined: Jul 10, 2007 Posts: 2681

Pasqualina was quite popular in my Grandfather's town in the 1800's. Every family had a Pasqualina there.
In case you are looking at Italian documents and need help with Italian professions, try this site: freepages.genealogy.ro...t=22468880

JB5150 · Explorer Joined: Sep 13, 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Florida

Very interesting, Cathy--

My Pasqualina was also from Calabria (from the frazioni Fossato Ionico in the Comune of Montebello Ionico). Her grandmother was Pasqualina as well.