Like other aspects of genealogy and family history, the origins of last names or surnames can be murky or lost altogether to the sands of time. While the Ferraris and Bianchis of the world are easily deciphered, other names are not so effortlessly retraced. Many last names that still exist are sourced from lost dialects, corrupted slang, or simply words that have been largely forgotten.

A couple years ago I came across a well-worn copy of Joseph Fucilla’s Our Italian Surnames, published in 1949. Ostensibly the first comprehensive look at Italian cognomi, it has proven to be an invaluable source when I encounter a last name that is uncommon. Seeing that members of my family carry a last name which is highly provincial and curious to outsiders, it seemed appropriate to dedicate an article to the hows and whys of all things family names.