New Post
Search
Help[Surname] Re: Surname Ponisi
in reply to a message by sally reader
Had to go into my Indo-European root book ...so we're starting at a very remote origin ...
There's an IE root, "pent" that seems to have evolved into words that look similar and might be related. It's origin means "to tread, go" but evolved into words like Pontiff and pontoon meaning "bridge, way or passage". The title "Pontifex" literally meant "he who prepares the way" ...
Therefore, with the ending of -isi which is likely a dimunitive, I'd venture a guess at something like ... "son of the trailblazer" or something similar ... to give you a positive spin ...but most names (not all) were positive spins ...good luck!!
There's an IE root, "pent" that seems to have evolved into words that look similar and might be related. It's origin means "to tread, go" but evolved into words like Pontiff and pontoon meaning "bridge, way or passage". The title "Pontifex" literally meant "he who prepares the way" ...
Therefore, with the ending of -isi which is likely a dimunitive, I'd venture a guess at something like ... "son of the trailblazer" or something similar ... to give you a positive spin ...but most names (not all) were positive spins ...good luck!!
1
Replies
Forgot to mention, that it is likely pre-Latin, but evolved through Latin and Italian ...just an educated guess.
1
In Australia there are over 20 people and Families ( including mine) with this surname including me!
This came about due to mass imigration from Europe during the late 50's and 60's. They arrived by ship that sailed to Sydney Australia
there may be more but they like their privacy.
This came about due to mass imigration from Europe during the late 50's and 60's. They arrived by ship that sailed to Sydney Australia
there may be more but they like their privacy.
1
In Ellis Island (www.ellisisland.org) it appears as italian. But apparently in Italy this surname doesn't exist anylonger.
In the Mormon Site (www.familysearch.com) it appears as British.
In my opinon it sounds sicilian but indications are contradictory. not clear.
In the Mormon Site (www.familysearch.com) it appears as British.
In my opinon it sounds sicilian but indications are contradictory. not clear.
1