last name changes

[Richard Connell]

My Grandfathers name was changed from CAUTILLI to CANTELLI when he came to the US, His birth record from Italy has CAUTILLI, is it possible to have a deceased persons name changed to the original name in the US/Massachusetts in particular. HELP needed Please and Thanks very much.

Regards
Richard

[PeterTimber]

You might wish to consult with your local County Court Clerk's office and speak to that office about the circumstances of a name change that you outlined above for the State of Massachusetts. Peter

[TerraLavoro]

You need to look at amendments/corrections to vital records on this web site. Is this a change you need to make for Italian CItizenship recognition?

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departmen ... oa/vitals/

Also, what records would require correction? (I am assuming marriage and death?)

[TerraLavoro]

After a quick glance, the office advises that you call or email with your specific question prior to visiting the office in person: Call: (617) 740-2600 or email: vital.regulation@state.ma.us

Good luck.

[carubia]

How do you know that his name was Cautilli in Italy? I ask because Cautilli and Cantilli are very rare names whereas Cantelli is common, in Emilia Romagna at least. Also, an "n" can look like a "u" (and vice versa) in handwritten Italian records.

[TerraLavoro]

Richard, do you know the town of your GF's birth in Italy? I can tell you that in the Lazio region today, there are approx. 40 people with the Cautilli last name. (it is present in one of my ancestral towns).

[PeterTimber]

...........perhaps putting in the reason for the name change will clarify and bring forth suggestions that others with the same problem faced or are knowledgeable about can assist you further. Peter

[jennabet]

Richard Connell, if your grand-father was born in Italy to Italian parents, I would put 100% trust in the name that was transcribed by his commune on his birth record. In most cases, the Italian authorities got it right and the American authorities got it wrong, no matter how "rare" the name is supposed to be, according to some -- mostly those who are mis-informed, I might add.

[PeterTimber]

Surname changes occur over the centuries (my own surname changed 6 times over an almost millennium period) and I daresay that whatever the letter or letters that changed occureds then the "new" spelling becomes the correct spelling if the change is overlooked or goes unnoticed. Peter