Hello Tony Dipofi,
As we already discussed on the phone, and by email, the surname Di Pofi is mostly found in Ceccano (pofi and Ceccano are next to each other).
I actually know some DiPofi families in Ceccano, but I also know a Dipofi from Pofi, the only one in Pofi, whose father was from Ceccano.
Probably Ceccano is the home of the Dipofis, even though, centuries ago it might have originated in Pofi.
Italian surnames can be traced back as far as late 1500s by checking the Church books (only thanks to the Treaty of Trento in 1575 the Churches started to register people's births,marriages and deaths - prior to that it s mostly unknown, and probably many did not have a surname yet!).
Prior to 1600s it would be almost impossible to trace any surname, because if some information is kept somewhere, it might be in the Archivi di Stato, and very hard to be accessed by people not authorized.
Italian surnames might be as old as 1000 years in many cases!!
Unique surnames such as DiPofi or Pofi are easy to trace. Also we have to take into consideration that in those days and until 70-100 years ago most families were stationary, I mean they lived for 4-5 centuries in the same town...thus making it easier to be traced in our days.
I would imagine that our discendants that,let's say, 100 years from now want to trace us, they will have a very hard time, seen how we move around and settle in different countries and different cities and even in the same city we move 3-4 times during our lifetime...helas we have no more roots!!
That's the reason, in my opinion why we should always keep in mind where our family originated, in my case Pofi, in your case Ceccano, and one day we can always find our roots there...even 300 years from now, it will always be valid!
Because, that's where our roots are!
Genealogy is the most fascinating subject for people who care about family!
Unfortunately not many people might think the same way, but that's their prerogative.
Ciao, and keep in touch, and
hope to see you and many people at the Reunion July 30th - Aug3rd 2004 in POFI!
Tony Pizzicaroli
pizzicaroli@aol.com
Agripofi: 0775-380350
link to agripofi and the Pofi Reunion: www.viselli.it
