THE PRIDE OF OUR HERITAGE:THE PLIGHT OF CHANGED LAST NAMES

Italian immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in 1905 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ITALIAN_IMMIGRANTS_(1905)_ELLIS_ISLAND_NY.png

Many Italian immigrants and their families felt the need to change or anglicize their last names shortly after arriving in America. This decision was a response to the discrimination they faced, often fueled by long-held prejudices and negative stereotypes that unfairly labeled them as untrustworthy, violent, and dim-witted. Confronted with the harsh reality of exclusion and bias in their new homeland, changing their names became an essential survival tactic, helping them navigate American society and blend in with their new surroundings.

It is a common misconception that immigration officials at Ellis Island were the ones who changed the names of immigrants arriving in America. The truth is that most of these changes were made by the immigrants themselves. Many wanted to fit in and avoid the negative stereotypes tied to their Italian surnames. As a result, they chose simpler names or English versions. For example, someone with the last name Bianco might have chosen White, or someone with the name Chiesa might have chosen Church, or simply dropped the final vowel in their last name. This shift speaks volumes about the desire many immigrants had to blend in and find acceptance in their new home, and it underscores the complicated cultural integration of that era.

Throughout the years, there have been instances in which public officials or community members played a role in name changes. Still, the majority of these alterations came from the immigrants’ own choices. With a strong desire for acceptance, many chose to change their names to avoid being viewed with skepticism or confusion. This transformation was not only about fitting in. It reflected their resilience and determination to carve out a place for themselves while avoiding potential conflicts arising from their original names.

The early to mid-twentieth century saw a significant increase in name changes among immigrants due to an influx of newcomers to the United States. This period was marked by legislative actions such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which tightened immigration quotas and created a pressing need for many to blend in quickly. The Naturalization Act of 1906 was also pivotal, mandating that any name changes be officially recorded. Consequently, many immigrants changed their names within just five years of arriving. Research indicates that between 1890 and 1930, millions of immigrants settled in the United States, with many choosing to Americanize their names or make them easier to pronounce, often downplaying their ethnic backgrounds in pursuit of greater acceptance in their new communities.

The practice of surname alterations began before the twentieth century, but it became more common during the World War I era as the number of immigrants arriving increased. This process often unfolded in stages. Families commonly retained their original surname within their own communities while using a modified version when interacting with nonimmigrants. Eventually, the altered name became the official surname of future generations. Understanding these name changes adds another layer to tracing family histories, revealing how deeply intertwined identity and integration can be in the experience of an immigrant.

Italians in the United States began to embrace their heritage more fully around the mid-to-late twentieth century, marking a significant shift in cultural identity. No longer feeling compelled to change their last names to blend in or escape discrimination, they proudly retained their ancestral names as society gradually became more accepting of ethnic diversity. This change not only highlighted the importance of different cultures coming together but also gave communities the chance to hold on to their unique traditions and stories. It helped create a more vibrant picture of their identities within the many cultures that make up America today.



Many Italian immigrants and their descendants are now on a meaningful path to reclaim their original Italian surnames. This effort can be complicated and comes with its share of obstacles. In the past, many chose to change their names to better blend into American society, often driven by a desire to fit in. Today, however, there is a noticeable shift, with more individuals seeking to restore their ancestral names to preserve their cultural identity. This movement parallels a growing appreciation for heritage, especially as new legal avenues allow people to obtain Italian citizenship by descent. As these families explore their heritage, they are embracing a meaningful experience that brings them joy as they honor their identity and celebrate their roots. They recognize the sacrifices their ancestors made and joyfully embrace the restoration of their true names while showcasing their vibrant traditions and culture.