A survey conducted by the genealogy social network MyHeritage It has been revealed that 13 Italian surnames are at real risk of extinction. The disappearance of these names is directly linked to the demographic crisis and low birth rate in Italy.
The list includes names that marked medieval history and current public figures. According to the study, the phenomenon mainly affects surnames with very specific geographical roots or linked to... dialects of small communities.
List of endangered surnames
The list includes names of various regions of ItalyThe surname Aguglione, common in 13th-century Tuscany, opens the list. Bellagamba, also of medieval origin and common in Emilia-Romagna, is another with few current records.
In the north of the country, the surname Cantarutti, typical of the Udine region, is at risk. Meanwhile, in central Italy, the name Diotallevi, historically given to abandoned children as a sign of good luck, is becoming increasingly rare.
Curious origins and famous names
Many of these surnames are derived from professions or physical characteristics.The word "Legiista" has Sicilian origins and refers to the medieval judicial system. "Mangiaterra" and "Mezzasalma" are linked to agriculture and land surveying in Sicily.
Some names on the list are known worldwide. Proietti, very common at Lazio, was immortalized by the actor. Gigi ProiettiZappacosta, originally from southern Brazil, is currently represented by footballer Davide Zappacosta of the Atalanta club.
Causes of disappearance
The main cause of the risk of extinction is the low birth rate. Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe. Without new births in families with rare surnames, the continuity of these names is interrupted.
Geographic mobility also influences the process. When family groups disperse from their provinces of origin to large centers or abroad, surnames linked to small local traditions tend to disappear more quickly.
The 13 surnames listed by MyHeritage are:
- Aguglione
- Beautiful leg
- Cantarutti
- Diotallevi
- Incognito
- Coroner
- Earth eater
- Mezzasalma
- Prince
- Proietti
- Scantamburlo
- Vespasiani
- Zappa costa
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