The farther back in years (1850 and earlier) records are found on Family Search for the names I'm researching, the more likely I am to find records with a variation on the family name. Since all records I find are for residents in the same small comune, I'm wondering if anyone can help me with my questions.
Example: some records are for SMITH.
some are for DI SMITH.
All are in the same little comune.
Is it possible the records reflect the same lineage?
Same family descendents/progenitors?
Was the preface -DI- dropped through the years?
Or, is this an example of misunderstanding on the part of a transcriber, since Italian records often note 'di' when recording a birth, a baptism, a marriage, etc. (just as they might use 'fu')???
Can I safely build a (probable) family tree with both SMITH and DI SMITH records??
I hope my explanation/questions make sense!
Thanks.