Vastano vs Bastano

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oilman19
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Vastano vs Bastano

Post by oilman19 »

I have a surname Vastano that appears on at least 2 documents. On another document, the name is definitely Bastano. All 3 documents are referring to the same person. In fact, the discrepany occurred in the same year (1813) on 2 separate marriage documents for 2 of Maria Vastano's children.

Is it possible that the letters V and B were used interchangeably, similar to I and J?

Thank you
Jim

Researching surnames Ianniello, Tamburrino, Mattora/Martora/Mattori & Scialla in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Caserta, Campania.
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Incipit
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Re: Vastano vs Bastano

Post by Incipit »

The shift between B and V (Betacism) is a common phenomenon in Italian and other languages:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betacism
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betacismo
Incipit
Genealogical researches in Italy
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oilman19
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Re: Vastano vs Bastano

Post by oilman19 »

That was very helpful.

A number of my ancestral surnames have "evolved" through generations and I was hoping this one had not. I have found "Martire", "Martore", "Mattori", "Mattora", and "Martora" for 1 surname. Other surnames of mine did not have as many versions.

Thank you for that interesting article.
Jim

Researching surnames Ianniello, Tamburrino, Mattora/Martora/Mattori & Scialla in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Caserta, Campania.
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