Meaning of the word "dico" in Italian Records

hgwill60

Occasionally I see records in the catalog where a dad is listed with a name, then the word dico and another name - eg "Michele dico Giovanni".  Does anyone know what that means?  I heard somewhere the second name may be a godfather, but haven't wanted to trust that without some other input.  I tried googling it. Translations say dico means "I say".  If anyone has run across that I'd appreciate any tips. I didn't see it on the word list in Research Wiki.

Áine Ní Donnghaile

@hgwill60 Can you supply the URL of a record to see the exact circumstances?

And, you might wish to post in the Italy Research group where there are many helpers fluent in Italian and well-versed in Italian records.

Julia Szent-Györgyi

I concur with Áine about consulting the Italian speakers, but I highly and extremely doubt the godparent explanation. I think it's what would be written as dictus in Latin, which is basically "alias" or "also known as". (Literally it's "called, said".)

Cousin Vinny

Would need to see for context. Sometimes "dico" is used to point out an error: Michele dico Giovanni = Michele I mean to say Giovanni

Cousin Vinny

https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/557750#Comment_557750

Yes, this is signifying an error - Antonio di Rosa's deceased father is Giovanni, not Michele. For proof, look to his 1853 marriage record that names his parents: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893Z-F8N6?i=184&cat=1494873

And for a bonus, look to his birth record: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L93Z-V56N?i=127&cat=1494873

SerraNola

@hgwill60 I have seen the word dico many times in Italian records. Vinny is correct, the word means in English "I meant to say".

hgwill60

Thank you so much. This is great to know and thank you for the bonus record. Amazing!

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Agree, @Julia Szent-Györgyi , my first thought was "dit" names from the French/French-Canadian usage. But context is important.

LudovicMarsillach

Don't know about "dico," but "Giovanni detto Cimabue" translates to "John called Cimabue," and is a common way in Italian to inform persons of so and so's nickname or second name/alias.

hgwill60

Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated. I will check out the Italy Research Group. Here is one link where it appeared. Entry No. 100 -

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893Z-V9HV-T?cat=1494873

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Repaired URL: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893Z-V9HV-T