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Origin of the Surname Bartolomasi
The surname Bartolomasi has a geographical distribution that, according to available data, shows a highest incidence in Italy (37%), followed by Brazil (19%), the Netherlands (5%) and Argentina (1%). The predominant concentration in Italy, together with its significant presence in Brazil and Argentina, suggests that its origin could be linked to Italian-speaking regions or Italian immigrant communities in Latin America. The presence in the Netherlands, although minor, may also indicate migratory routes or cultural exchanges in Europe. The current distribution, with a strong weight in Italy and Latin American countries, allows us to infer that the surname probably has roots in the Italian peninsula, possibly in regions where the influence of Latin and Christian traditions have been predominant. The expansion towards Brazil and Argentina could be related to migratory movements that occurred mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when many Italian families emigrated in search of better opportunities. The dispersion in the Netherlands, for its part, could be due to more recent migrations or to commercial and cultural connections in Europe. Overall, the current geographical distribution points to an Italian origin, with a subsequent expansion in the context of the Italian diaspora and European migrations to America and other regions.
Etymology and Meaning of Bartolomasi
The surname Bartolomasi seems to derive from a proper name, specifically from the name "Bartholomé", which has roots in the Greek "Bartholomaios", composed of the elements "bar" (son) and "Tholomaios" (which can be interpreted as "he who is filled with fury" or "he who becomes angry"). The patronymic form "Bartolomasi" would therefore be a surname indicating "son of Bartholomew". The ending "-i" in Italian is typical of patronymic surnames, especially in northern and central regions of Italy, where it was used to indicate descent or family belonging. The root "Bartholomé" was popular in Christian tradition, in honor of Saint Bartholomew, one of the apostles, which favored its use in European Christian communities. The structure of the surname, with the ending "-i", is characteristic of Italian patronymic surnames, which were formed in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and which still retain that form today.
From a linguistic point of view, "Bartolomasi" can be classified as a patronymic surname, derived from the proper name "Bartolomé". The presence of the root in several Romance languages, such as Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, reflects the spread of the name in different Christian regions of Europe. The form "Bartolomasi" in particular, with the ending "-i", is typically Italian, although in other countries there may be variants such as "Bartolomeo" (name) or "Bartolome" (shortened form or in other languages). The etymology of the surname, therefore, is closely linked to the veneration of the saint and the patronymic tradition, which was very common in the formation of surnames in Europe.
In summary, the surname "Bartolomasi" probably means "son of Bartholomew" and reflects a patronymic tradition that was consolidated in Italy, where the influence of Christianity and the veneration of saints was decisive in the formation of many surnames. The structure and meaning of the surname confirm its patronymic character, with roots in European Christian culture and, specifically, in Italian tradition.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The origin of the surname Bartolomasi, in line with its patronymic structure, probably dates back to the Middle Ages in Italy, where the adoption of surnames derived from the names of saints and religious figures was a common practice. The presence of the name "Bartolomé" in historical and religious records in Italy, especially in regions with strong Christian influence, favored the formation of surnames such as Bartolomasi. The initial dispersal of the surname may have been concentrated in areas where the cult of Saint Bartholomew was particularly strong, such as in certain regions of northern and central Italy, where the Catholic tradition was a central element in social and cultural life.
The expansion of the surname outside of Italy can be related to the migratory movements that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries, in which many Italian families emigrated to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, in search of better economic conditions. The presence in Brazil, with an incidence of 19%, indicates that the surname was carried by Italian immigrants who settled in regions withstrong presence of Italian communities, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The presence in Argentina, although smaller, also reflects the same migratory trend, given that Argentina was one of the main destinations of the Italian diaspora in Latin America.
In Europe, the presence in the Netherlands, although smaller, may be due to more recent migrations or cultural and commercial exchanges within the framework of the European Union. The presence in the Netherlands may also reflect the mobility of Italian professionals and families in the European context, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries.
The current distribution pattern suggests that the surname spread from its possible center of origin in Italy, following migratory routes to America and other parts of Europe. The influence of colonization, internal migrations and international trade relations contributed to the dispersion of the surname, which today maintains its strong presence in Italy and in communities of Italian immigrants in South America.
Variants and Related Forms of Bartolomasi
Variant spellings of the surname Bartolomasi may include forms such as "Bartolomeassi" or "Bartolomazzi", which reflect regional adaptations or phonetic evolutions in different areas of Italy or in countries where the surname was adopted. The most common form in Italian, with the ending "-i", indicates its patronymic character and its origin in the Italian language.
In other languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese, the surname may present variants such as "Bartolomé" (as a first name) or "Bartolomeu" in Portuguese, although in these cases, the use as a surname may vary. The influence of local language and culture may have given rise to different, but related, forms of the same origin.
It is possible that there are related surnames that share the root "Bartolomé" or have a similar structure, such as "Bartolotti" or "Bartoloni", which could also derive from the same given name and reflect different regions or periods of formation.
In summary, the variants of the Bartolomasi surname reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the regions where it spread, always maintaining the patronymic root linked to Saint Bartholomew and the European Christian tradition.
