Re: specific origin of surname....
This looks like the Italian form of the first name Renatus, meaning "born again". It is a specifically "Christian" coinage, which did not exist in Ancient Rome, before Christianity took over.
According to tradition, St. Renatus was Bishop of Naples in the 4th/5th century. More likely Renatus of Sorrent was a 6th (?) cent. eremite, who was later venerated as bishop.
"Renati" is a term used in 1. Peter 1,23 in the Latin bible to denote the new quality of a life as a Christian.
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Messages

specific origin of surname....  ·  Mr. Rinato  ·  1/27/2006, 1:41 PM
Re: specific origin of surname....  ·  Sagani  ·  1/28/2006, 1:09 AM
Re: specific origin of surname....  ·  Mr. Rinato  ·  2/3/2006, 9:59 AM
Re: specific origin of surname....  ·  Andy ;—)  ·  1/27/2006, 2:58 PM
Re: specific origin of surname....  ·  Mr. Rinato  ·  2/3/2006, 10:02 AM