Two surnames?

[jamesm113]

I've seen several Sicilian names appear to have two different surnames

For example: https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/GGF6-58B

Has "Massaro Cenere" listed as the surname in some source, and just Massaro in others.

Another example: https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/pe ... s/G6N5-766
Has "Profita Mendola" listed in some sources, but just Profita in others.

Which surname is correct? And what's the context?

Thanks!

[PippoM]

I think most "double surnames" derive from adoptions, when the adopted keeps both his original and adoptive surnames.
Also, in the past centuries, in Sicily and Sardinia, you can also find the Spanish custom of utilizing the surnames of mother and father.

[Italysearcher]

The second name maybe a sopranome or nickname to identify the family line when many in the town have the same surname

[jamesm113]

Thank you both!