The Anagrafe (Big Brother, Italian-style)

Posted by Ann on May 23, 2016 · 4 Comments 

Italian civil records have to be the most informative I have ever encountered.  They are so detailed they practically tell the family story as a standalone.   The Anagrafe knows everything about all of its residents, where they live, who their parents are, their birth marriage and death dates and now even their divorce details.  They … Continue reading →

Filed under Italian Research

What’s in a name?

Posted by Ann on May 1, 2016 · Leave a Comment 

Under Napoleon, and continuing even to today although not enforced, it was forbidden to name a male child after it’s father unless the father was dead.  Because of the continued reuse of forenames within a family many Italians, even today are known by their first name followed by their father’s first name. This meant that … Continue reading →

Filed under Italian Research, Italian traditions · Tagged with ,