surnames with "di" and "de" prefixes???

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pjm66
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surnames with "di" and "de" prefixes???

Post by pjm66 »

I am a bit confused on Itialian surnames that begin with di and de with a space before the last name. Examples: Robert De Niro, Portia di Rossi, Leonardo DeCaprio (no space after De), and di Medici.
Then there's da Vinci!
Can some please explain why these prefixes are sometimes capitalized and sometimes not? Why the use of an "i" instead of "e" in both cases?
Which is proper...to capitalize or not?
Thanks for any clarification!
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suanj
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Re: surnames with "di" and "de" prefixes

Post by suanj »

pjm66 wrote:I am a bit confused on Itialian surnames that begin with di and de with a space before the last name. Examples: Robert De Niro, Portia di Rossi, Leonardo DeCaprio (no space after De), and di Medici.
Then there's da Vinci!
Can some please explain why these prefixes are sometimes capitalized and sometimes not? Why the use of an "i" instead of "e" in both cases?
Which is proper...to capitalize or not?
Thanks for any clarification!
Hi:
1-Di Caprio in Italy are space..is mistaken in USA or foreign country.....
2-Di or di (little "d) meaning "of/from"= son of, inhabithant of etc..
3-De meaning ditto for Di/di only are ancient shape; "de" meaning coming from noble family...
------regards, suanj
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