Faustina Lucilia - naming an orphan

[dgeorge]

My GGM was born in 1876 in Fondi. Her birth certificate does not list parents and I had been told by my GF as a child that his mother was an orphan. So, who gave her the last name Lucilia. I have come across some standard names used for abandoned children, but Lucilia is not one of them. Is it possible that this name was added by the parents that adopted her? It is not a common name. How can I go about figuring out who was her adoptive family, or is it possible? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

[Italysearcher]

I assume you have a 'certificato' or an 'Estratto'. If you request a photocopy of the original it will tell you who gave her her name. It is usually the Mayor or his substitute and was usually a surname NOT currently found in the town. Often in invented name to distinguish her from any other family in town. This surname woud remain with her for the rest of her life as formal adoption was rare in Italy. The only way it would be changed was if her natural parents recognised her at some point at which time her surname would be changed to theirs and this would be noted on the original birth record.

[dgeorge]

Thank you so much for this information. This is exactly what I wanted to know and it fits the situation. I do only have the estratto, so I will request a copy of the original. I had been looking for this last name everywhere, so it makes sense that it was "invented." I will keep searching for where she may have grown up or with whom. THank you again.

[Italysearcher]

Often the original will give you the name of the person to whom she was given for breastfeeding. Its a starting point. The women were paid for this service and sometimes the child was transferred to another family once able to work.