PREFIX ON SURNAMES

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mimifo
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PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by mimifo »

I need the meaning of prefix to surnames , like DA, DE LA, etc.If someone could guide me , a book or address that could help me.
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Italysearcher
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Re: PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by Italysearcher »

DA is usually 'from' as in 'from Rome' ie Leonardo Da Vinci.
DE is usually 'of' often the same as above.
LA means 'the' as in La Posta, The post or place.
Ann Tatangelo
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Dual citizenship assistance, and document acquisition, on-site genealogical research in Lazio, Molise, Latina and Cosenza. Land record searches and succession.
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joyceperrino
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Re: PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by joyceperrino »

what is the difference in D' and Di ?
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misbris
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Re: PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by misbris »

I believe the apostrophe is used when the next word starts with a vowel.

Example

De Rosa, Di Carlo: D'Amato, D' Elia.

However, now that I think about De Angelis does not follow that rule. :oops:

HELP a native Italian speaker!!!
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Aether
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Re: PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by Aether »

Hi !
There is one more de' , or "dei" and it means of= in the sense of from.

Used in connection with nobility titles. When an offspring of a prince, duke, etc. does not have own title, and is recognized as noble is identified as... de', or dei.

Example: Elizabeth, dei Principe Medici. It means Elizabeth is of the noble house of Medici. The Principe probably had many children and had run out of titles.

So, there is Elizabeth! No title , but she is of a noble family!

Aether :) :wink: :wink:
"Fiori di grano.
Amici piu' di prima saremo;
Amici piu' di prima da lontano".
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mimifo
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Re: PREFIX ON SURNAMES

Post by mimifo »

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR ANSWERS. MY GREAT-GRAND FATHER'S
LAST NAME WAS DA FORMA, 1640. ANY AREA OR PLACE, TOWN WITH THE
NAME " FORMA" ? he was born in Finalborgo, Finale ligure, in the north coast of italy.
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