Middle Names vs. First Names on Italian Records

[CaptainCatholic]

Hello everyone!

I am a little confused about "first names" versus "middle names" as they appear on various Italian documents. Generally speaking, is the first name written before or after the middle name?

For example, my 4th-Great-Grandfather was named either "Federico Epifanio Macaluso"... or he was named "Epifanio Federico Macaluso"... but I don't know which!

There are documents in which the name "Epifanio" is not used at all, and he's just referred to as "Federico Macaluso," such as in the birth record for his son, found here:
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0

This would lead me to believe that "Federico" was his first name (because why would he go by his middle name, and leave his first name off of a document?).

But then on his marriage record and on his birth certificate (found below), he is referred to as "Epifanio Federico Macaluso." It's a little strange that his middle name would be written before his first name... so that makes me wonder if Epifanio was his first name?

Birth Record:
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0

Marriage Record:
http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0

A similar situation exists with Federico's father. On many documents, Federico's father is referred to as just "Giacinto Macaluso" (like on his death record, found here: http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0). But on other documents, he's referred to as "Carmelo Giacinto Macaluso" (such as his baptism record, found here: http://dl.antenati.san.beniculturali.it ... ewsIndex=0). So I'm not sure if his name was "Carmelo Giacinto Macaluso" or "Giacinto Carmelo Macaluso?"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks as always!!
Tony

[Italysearcher]

https://angelresearch.net/2016/05/01/whats-in-a-name/
https://angelresearch.net/2021/03/02/na ... -in-italy/
These might help

[CaptainCatholic]

https://angelresearch.net/2016/05/01/whats-in-a-name/
https://angelresearch.net/2021/03/02/na ... -in-italy/
These might help

Hi Ann! I just read both of the articles you posted - they were extremely helpful, thank you so much for all of the information!! Judging from what you wrote, I'm thinking that his full "legal" name was "Epifanio Federico" (one full name... no middle name... but two "first names," because there definitely is not a comma in between "Epifanio" and "Federico" on either his birth certificate or his marriage certificate).

However, "Federico" must have been the main name he went by (that's why he is only listed as "Federico" on the birth record for his son, "Giacinto"). Perhaps Federico had siblings who were also named Federico (I'll have to check on that!), or maybe the "Epifanio" was just to honor his godfather.

Thanks again, really appreciate your help!

[darkerhorse]

Generally speaking, is the first name written before or after the middle name?

So, what's the answer?

[Italysearcher]

Read the articles!

Surname, first name, second name.

The birth record is the official version. Marriage record should also be but occasionally they use only the name they are known by. Death record the same.

In America they often used only the name they were known by.

[CaptainCatholic]

Read the articles!

Surname, first name, second name.

The birth record is the official version. Marriage record should also be but occasionally they use only the name they are known by. Death record the same.

In America they often used only the name they were known by.

Hi again Ann! I found your articles to be so informative and helpful, thanks so much again for sharing them, as well as for this additional information! This was a huge help with figuring out how to list my 4th-Great-Grandfather's name in my Family Tree!

[CaptainCatholic]

Generally speaking, is the first name written before or after the middle name?

So, what's the answer?

Hi darkerhorse! If I understood Ann's articles correctly, I think the key is to look to see if there is a "comma" in between the two names. If there is a comma, they are two separate names - but if there is no comma, then the two names are considered "ONE" name.

In my 4th-Great-Grandfather's situation, I don't see any commas, so I believe his "first" name was "Epifanio Macaluso" (one full name). However, this was just his "administrative" name.

Ann's article states, “These names were the ‘administrative’ names and not always the ones used every day. They are the official names you will see on passports, identity cards, birth certificates, military and notary papers.”

Then, Ann's article continues, "By the time the person was ready for marriage, you may see his ‘daily’ name used for the marriage document and almost certainly on the death record.”

This is almost exactly what happened to my 4th-Great-Grandfather. While Federico’s marriage record did list his full administrative name (“Epifanio Federico”), the birth record of Federico’s son (Giacinto Macaluso, my 3rd-Great-Grandfather) only listed Federico’s name as “Federico Macaluso.” The “Epifanio” part of his name was nowhere to be found! So it is clear to me that “Epifanio Federico” was simply Federico’s administrative name, while “Federico” was the name he was known by!

Correct me if I'm wrong about anything Ann but I think that's the key - look for any comma's!

[Italysearcher]

The comma is mightier than the sword!