This interesting surname is found recorded in the Italian records in two forms, Dell'oso and Dell'osso. The translation would appear to be "to bone", which may be a metonymic for a surgeon, barber or butcher, or it may be habitational from residence at some place called "Oss, Ossi, or Ossis", although we have no proof of the existence of any such "site". The etymology of Italian names is the most difficult of all European surnames, the "base form", of the name being obscured by successive generations. In this case, it is also possible that the origin derives not from "Ossis" (Bone) but Orsi - "the bear" - which is more logical. The recordings are rare and include Grazia Dell'osso, christened at San Severo, Foggia on December 5th 1840, she was the daughter of Andrea and Carmela (date of marriage not known), but they were also the parents of Francesco, christened on August 26th 1858, Eighteen years after his sister! The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Vincenzo Dell'oso, which was dated December 21st 1829, christened at Pollutri, Chieti, Italy, during the reign of Pope Pius V11, March 31st 1829 - December 30th 1830. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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