Italian Given Names
Italian Naming Traditions and Nicknames
Naming Children
It is also important to know your immigrant ancestor's given name or names. Since at least the sixteenth century, tradition has dictated how Italian parents name their children. A couple's first son is given the name of the father's father; the first daughter is given the name of the father's mother. The second son is given the name of the mother's father; the second daughter is given the name of the mother's mother. Subsequent children are given their parents' names, or the names of favorite or unmarried or deceased aunts and uncles. Because of this custom, the same given names reappear in Italian families generation after generation site is currently under construction.
Knowing the birth order of siblings, therefore, often provides a clue to the names of their grandparents. Be aware, however, that exceptions do occur. A grandfather might suggest, for example, that the grandson about to be given his name be baptized instead with the name of a son of his who died in infancy many years earlier. This is common when no other member of the family bears the name of that deceased infant. Such a wish would be honored, and a subsequent grandson would be given this grandfather's name. Or a grandmother may ask that the granddaughter to be named for her be given instead the name of a saint to whom she holds a special devotion. In this case, a subsequent granddaughter would be given this grandmother's name.
Carrying this tradition over to America caused dilemmas for first-generation Americans. If the grandmother was Crucifissa, for instance, which means Crucifix, the granddaughter might be baptized Christine. If the grandfather was Rosario (Rosary), the grandson might be called Russell. Why Vincenzo, which translates as Vincent, became James is an issue of speculation among Americans of Italian descent.
To be certain that you are tracing your immigrant ancestor and not a same-named cousin, learn two more facts: 1) the approximate year of his or her emigration from Italy, and 2) his or her approximate age at that time. These additional facts will distinguish your ancestor from relatives having the same given name and surname.
Nicknames
Many Italians brought with them to America the custom of calling one another by nicknames. Usually the nickname was an altered form of the given name. For instance, Pepina is short for Giuseppina, which in turn is a diminutive or affectionate form of Giuseppa (Josephine). Therefore, Pepina might be translated as Jo, and Giuseppina as Josie. Giovannino, the diminutive form of Giovanni (John), may be translated as Johnny. Antonino (Tony) is short for Antonio (Anthony). However, both Giovannino and Antonino might be called simply Nino.
Sometimes the nickname had nothing to do with the given name. My cousin Joe, for example, was baptized Giacomo. But after his father Giuseppe died, his mother wanted to keep the name Giuseppe in the family. So she called her son Giuseppe rather than Giacomo, and the name stuck.