translation of odd birth record in Rome

[lyn1982]

I (well not me, darkerhorse! Ty much!) found an intriguing birth record that I think might be my great grandfathers birth.

http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0
181 Surname Ercoli Giuseppe with father Domenico

Here is the actual record: http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0

I noticed oddly that their is a 2nd name, a females name written under Giuseppes on the side. Darkerhorse mentioned the record mentions something about a possible surname change. I'm very intrigued. I'd love to know if this record is actually an adoption or what exactly is going on in it.

[cedrone]

This is the transcription of a Decree by
Umberto I, King of Italy of that time, by which the three persons indicated at the side, sons of Domenico Projetti, assume the new surname Ercoli instead of the preceding Projetti. Not indicated the reason. I'll re-read carefully later. If you find the birth acts of them there should be a side note.

[liviomoreno]

With royal decree July 20 1896, Domenico Projetti (son of deceased Giuseppe who was born in Roccagiovine) and his children Giuseppe, Amelia and Assunta, are authorized to change their surname to Ercoli.
Please note that Projetti means foundling, It is very likely that Giusppe was abandoned by his parents

[lyn1982]

Thank you Cedrone and Liviomoreno!

That's very interesting about the foundling part. I wonder if surname change means he found out who his father was? Probably no way to know I'm guessing.

[cedrone]

No, the Giuseppe that was a foundling is not the last, but his grandfather, the father of Domenico. At the time foundling usually received some particular or unusual surname. Later this became a valid reason to ask for a change of surname, in order to not be immediately identified as descendant of a foundling.