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ArchivesMeaning of these surnames?
I'd like to know the meaning of the following family surnames.
Gestro (Italian)
Shanahan (Ireland)
Pasqualitto (Italian)
TIA
Gestro (Italian)
Shanahan (Ireland)
Pasqualitto (Italian)
TIA
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Replies
Shanahan, Irish Ó Seanacháin, descendant of a man named Seanachán, the basis of which name is the word sean, "old". Originally of Co. Clare, now found throughout the province of Munster.
Pasqualitto, a diminutive of the man's name Pasquale. It means "paschal", i.e. associated with the festival of Easter. I believe it was a baptismal name for boys born at Eastertime. Pasquale, Pasquali, are very common surnames in Italy, and there are several variants. Pasqualitto is rare. There was an equivalent name for girls, Pasqua, and that too is a surname.
Gestro, another rare Italian surname. The only explanation I can give is that gestro in modern Italian means "grimace". If that's not the origin then I'm at a loss.
Pasqualitto, a diminutive of the man's name Pasquale. It means "paschal", i.e. associated with the festival of Easter. I believe it was a baptismal name for boys born at Eastertime. Pasquale, Pasquali, are very common surnames in Italy, and there are several variants. Pasqualitto is rare. There was an equivalent name for girls, Pasqua, and that too is a surname.
Gestro, another rare Italian surname. The only explanation I can give is that gestro in modern Italian means "grimace". If that's not the origin then I'm at a loss.
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Thanks Jim!
Any idea of the ending meaning behind "itto" for Pasqualitto? Would it be for a "son of" Pasquale or something like that?
Any idea of the ending meaning behind "itto" for Pasqualitto? Would it be for a "son of" Pasquale or something like that?
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I think it's a diminutive form, maybe a dialect version of the more common -etto ending. So the name would mean "Little Pasquale". That form could be showing affection or familiarity, unlike the more formal Pasquale.
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