52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 3

 


Week 3:
The theme for Week 3 is “Nickname.” Nicknames can hint to a person’s personality, occupation, or appearance. But be careful to not always take them literally! (Think of all the burly guys nicknamed “Tiny!”) Sometimes they have an “origin story” – like “Coco,” a classmate of mine. She got the nickname because her little brother couldn’t pronounce her real name (Colleen). Which of your ancestors had a nickname? Do you know how they got it?

It would probably be easier to choose an ancestor that DIDN'T have a nickname. 

My paternal great-grandfather was named Giuseppe and went by Joe. My maternal great-grandfather was named Elwood and went by Bud. 

My paternal grandmother was named Dominica and went by Dominish and Donna. 

My father's sister is named Paulette and goes by her middle name- Jean. My father's late brother was named Paul and went by Butch. 

I was named Dominish after my maternal grandmother (no one in the family (at the time) knew her legal name was Dominica). In kindergarten the teacher promptly told me to pick a nickname and I've been known as Domi ever since. (Although the spelling has been controversial- some family members insist on Dommie and some Domi). 


Giuseppe Louis "Joe" Casini
1885–1943



















Elwood David "Bud" Erney
1915–2005



















Dominica Mae "Dominish/ Donna" Casini
1922–1976



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