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ArchivesRe: Surname "Catelli"
in reply to a message by Lucas_Ivars
Low Latin catellus and Italian cagnolino mean a small dog, I believe a pet dog rather than a working dog. So I would assume from this that Catellus was the ancestor's nickname. However the text quoted suggests that the eponym might have bred dogs, or have had a significant experience involving a dog.
Comasco and Parmense as areas of origin would be the regions of Como and Parma in the North.
As for Lombards, Etruscans, etc., I don't believe surnames can reveal such distant origins.
Comasco and Parmense as areas of origin would be the regions of Como and Parma in the North.
As for Lombards, Etruscans, etc., I don't believe surnames can reveal such distant origins.
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Replies
It is possible that this surname comes from the first name "Catharina" or "Cathalina" quite common around Italy already in medieval times. other variants in Northern Italy Catelini, Cattalini.
Jim is right: surnames comes generally from medieval nicknames. Only venetian or sardinian surnames are widely derived from local dialects. In the rest of Italy the influence of regional dialects has been less important. Quite often italian local nicknames have been changed in to a latin word before becoming a regional surname.
Jim is right: surnames comes generally from medieval nicknames. Only venetian or sardinian surnames are widely derived from local dialects. In the rest of Italy the influence of regional dialects has been less important. Quite often italian local nicknames have been changed in to a latin word before becoming a regional surname.
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