How do I find family in Sicily with a very uncommon Surname?

Question

I want to find my family in sicily but my last name is no uncommon only my family has my name in the US....

Answer 1

I don't know.

Answer 2

An uncommon name is usually easier to track than a common one.  Start with records at EllisIsland.org.  Those should tell you the province and commune from where your family came.  Then you can contact the civil office for that commune to obtain records.  Or you can order the micro-film for that commune from the LDS library.

Italy is really good about keeping records, especially in the South.  But you need to be careful that you are 'following' the correct person.  Because of the custom of how to name the children, you can easily get side-tracked.

The first born son is named after his paternal grandfather, as is the first born daughter is named after her paternal grandmother.  The second ones are named after their maternal grandparents.  

So, let's say your father's name is Anthony and he is his parents' oldest son.  He would have been named after his grandfather, Antonio.  Also, all of his aunts and uncles would have named their first son "Anthony".  If your g.g.father had ten children, and they all had at least one son, your father would have nine cousins named Anthony.

Answer 3

Get a very complete map of Siciliy -- the kind that shows every tiny village.  Sicilian names often come from the names of towns whee the family lived.  That way you may find your family in Sicily. (I'd say, "Good luck!" but in Sicily it's bad luck to say good luck!)

Answer 4

Shannon I hope someone can help you with this. My family too, are from  Sicily. I have that problem as well. Many of "my people" that came to this country were even given different names from each other! This makes it difficult to find even the family I have here in this time. I will keep an eye open to answers given to you and a star for your question! Best wishes.

Light & Love,