Re: Meaning of these surnames?
by Jim Young (guest)
2/26/2007, 6:38 AM
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.