Meaning of the word "dico" in Italian Records
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.
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@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.
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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".)
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Would need to see for context. Sometimes "dico" is used to point out an error: Michele dico Giovanni =
MicheleI mean to say Giovanni4 -
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
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Thank you so much. This is great to know and thank you for the bonus record. Amazing!
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Agree, @Julia Szent-Györgyi , my first thought was "dit" names from the French/French-Canadian usage. But context is important.
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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.
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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
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