Italy

Updated August 26, 2023

Pasquale Tomasso’s family in Sora after his emigration. Parents: Antonio and Francesca. Sisters: Maria Liugia, Domenica, Carolina, Menna, Cinerena (adopted). Liberato was maybe married to one of the sisters?

There was/is a strong custom in Italy that determines how children are named:

The first male is named after the paternal grandfather.
The second male is named after the maternal grandfather.
The first female is named after the paternal grandmother.
The second female is named after the maternal grandmother.

The subsequent children could be named after the parents, a favorite aunt or uncle, a saint or a deceased relative. Many Italians do have what appears to be middle names, the two names are actually considered the first name.

Women in Italy keep their maiden name after marriage due to established legal norms and it remains the official name for all legal documents and certifications.

However, children almost always get their father’s name.