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KastriotiBlood
01-24-2019, 06:44 PM
Hello,

Not sure if I am asking this in the right place but I would like to know why my surname (fathers side) is the same as a town/village in Campania. My grandad lived in Albania his whole life (middle of albania) but I don't know anything about his dad or grandad or beyond that.

I don't know too much about the arbereshe other than them being southern? albanians in 1400s that moved to italy before and maybe after Kastrioti (northern/middle region albanian?) died. I also know that Italy changed their names including surnames (scumbags) either immediately or over time.

Did any arbereshe settle in Campania and if so did they return to Albania and when? I'd like to know if i had an italian ancestor at some point or an albanian ancestor who had their name changed in Italy to the same as a village/town in Campania (and if this is normal to happen).

Looking forward to replies, thanks!
Ayetooey
01-25-2019, 05:49 PM
A ydna test would solve this, if your direct paternal ancestor was Italian you'll match with Italians likely with the same surname, if not its a possibility the name got changed at some point, could be occupational or sumin.
XYZ.2018
01-25-2019, 11:13 PM
Italians last were in Albania during WWII.
KastriotiBlood
01-27-2019, 01:00 PM
Italians last were in Albania during WWII.

I am aware of this but it shouldn't have any bearing on my grandad, he was born in Albania, first name was Bardhyl and he was blonde. I don't think blonde hair is as common in Italy as it is in middle and north albania. Especially not in Middle or South Italy (where a lot of albanians tend to live).

I don't think HE was italian, the question is were one of his ancestors italian or just someone who had their surname changed.

I may do one of those tests in the DISTANT future when they have really improved and I have money to spare haha

Edit: can someone tell me why in Italy they used to change peoples names to italian or was this only for albanians? (arbereshe example). Do they still do this now or is it illegal to force someone to change their name in modern law?