Region: Calabria Province: Catanzaro
Tracing your Italian roots back to Maida, in Catanzaro province, Calabria region?
This comprehensive guide empowers you to understand the records available in Maida, unlocking your family’s rich history.
Where to Begin Your Ancestry Journey in Maida
If your ancestral trail leads to Maida, Italy, their vital records are likely housed in two key locations:
- Maida City Hall Archives: Established in 1809, these archives hold civil registry records like births, marriages, and deaths for Maida residents since then.
- Maida Parish Churches: For records pre-dating 1809 or for religious ceremonies, exploring Maida’s parish church archives might be necessary.
Civil Records in Maida
In towns and villages of Calabria and in Catanzaro province civil registry offices were established in 1809: it means that you could find your ancestors records in Maida Town Hall archives as of that date.
(If your goal is to get your Italian Citizenship and you need official certificates from Maida Municipality, follow this link).
So, if your ancestors lived in Maida during the past centuries, then you should start your family research from the City Office of Maida to know more: our local expert is ready to help you in your research!
With his deep knowledge of people and local history he will assist you not only finding names and dates (births, marriages, deaths) but he will reveal to you many other precious information on the life of your ancestors available in the old registers.
- Professions: do you know what your ancestors did for a living? Our genealogist will be able to give you this info!
- Addresses: the house where your family lived (a great information if you intend to visit Maida !)
- Churches: where they were baptized or married
- Signatures: if your ancestors knew how to write, he will be able to show you their original signatures.
(If you can’t visit Maida, our researcher will give you the necessary info to find by yourself the relevant places on the maps available online)
Next picture shows the demographic trends in Maida from the Italian Unification (1861).
This is a necessary info to understand how many people lived in the town in the past.
To go on quickly in your research is important to know if the last name you are investigating is a frequent surname in Maida. As more your surname is common, as more it could be difficult to find the right branch of your ancestors family in Maida archives, expecially if you have not exact dates (there could be cases of homonymy).
It’s useful for you to know that some of the most common surnames in Catanzaro province are:
Aiello, Bianco, Caruso, Cimino, Colosimo, Cosentino, Critelli, Curcio, De Fazio, Donato, Falvo, Fazio, Folino, Gallo, Gentile, Gigliotti, Grande, Greco, Gualtieri, Leone, Mancuso, Marino, Mastroianni, Mazza, Mazzei, Mercuri, Molinaro, Muraca, Nistico, Paone, Paonessa, Perri, Procopio, Pugliese, Ranieri, Rocca, Rotella, Rotundo, Russo, Sacco, Scalise, Sestito, Talarico, Torchia, Trapasso, Vaccaro, Vescio, Viscomi.
Church Records in Maida
Church archives in Catanzaro province may store even older information. You will find religious records of the same events (births, marriages and deaths) but, most important, you could go further back in time!
So in case you would like to go back in centuries, it’s good for you to know that the parish registers in Calabria started during 1500!
Parish archives are far less accessible expecially from abroad and very hard to read and decipher if you are not used and skilled.
But our local genealogists, are graduated in history and archivistics so, with their expertise, they can research the church registers of Maida on your behalf to gather info about your family history during centuries.
In case you want to visit churches, these are the addresses of parishes active today in Maida:
S. ANDREA APOSTOLO – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III
S. MARIA CATTOLICA – P.zza Protopapale, 37
S. NICOLA DE LATINIS – Via Garibaldi
For our experience, if you plan to come here to visit Maida, we always suggest to start the research months before the arrival.
This because a comprehensive genealogy research is time consuming!
Starting from home, you will have time to get a complete research avoiding to waste your holidays in the offices or in the churches dealing with italian bureaucracy .
(Remember that archives are not open to public and officers and priests are not required by law to give you access to the local archives)
With the results gathered by our genealogist and translated in your language before your arrival, you will have the possibility to plan carefully your visit.
In this way you will have more free time to enjoy your tour to the roots on your ancestors footsteps.
Another important source of information are the notary documents available to expert researchers in the State Archives of Catanzaro.
If you need a professional help from our local genealogist in Maida area , write to maida@italianside.com or fill the form here.
Our expert will study your request and will reply to you with a plan and a quote for your family research.
If you think to contact the town hall by yourself, we suggest you to read our tips for your search. They are useful advices to search in Calabria and of course in Maida too.
Here below you can read the messages received from other visitors in Maida forum:
if you only want to discuss with other people interested in genealogy in Maida feel free to leave a message below.
Good afternoon! I am traveling to Maida in a few days and trying to track down any relatives that may still be alive over there. My grandparents were Marie and Nicholas Scalfaro. They lived in Ambler, PA – a suburb of Philadelphia – for many, many years. Any help is appreciated!
My great grandmother was Mariana Scalfaro, born 1857. She married Mariano Donato
Looking for family members D’Amico and Barone great gran parents Catrina Barone and Ferdinand D’Amico
I’m looking for info on my grandparents Francesco Graziano and Maria Guarna who lived in Maida Cantanzaro.between 1897 -1902 before immigrating to PA. And, if anyone has info on my grandfather’s parents Joseph & Maria Boch Graziano or my grandmother’s parents Tommaso & Felicita Mauro Guarna.
Hi. I also have Graziano in my family tree from vena di maida. Would love to connect.
My grandfathers name was Pasquale Maida and his father was from Maida. I am trying to figure out if it was common for people to have this as a last name or did he use it as their last name when they entered into the US?
My great grandfather was from Maida. His name was Tommaso D’Amico. He married Concetta Colelli. I believe they lived on via Federico Nobile. They had a daughter, Angela D’Amico, who is my grandmother. She was born in Maida in 1897. Trying to find what year Tommaso D’Amico was born and who his parents were.
Did your grandfather have brothers Giuseppe and Benjamin? They had a brother Tomaso and a sister Mary and three more brothers don’t remember names
Looking for D’Amico and Barone relatives grandfather Pasquale D’Amico married Caterina Barone my grandfather was Giuseppe D’Amico and his brother unbelievable Benjamin came to USA in early 1900
My grandparents are from Maida. My grandfather is Guiseppe Cimino, my grandmother Rosa Cardemone. I am not sure if this is where they were born. Guiseppe parents are Guiseppe Cimino and Maria Valinis, Rosas parents are Antonio Cardemone and Maria Giovanna Sirianni.
looking for any information about my grandparents, Ignazio Angelichio and Mary Taverna who emigrated from Maida between 1900 and 1905 and settled in Ambler Pa which is still a sister sister to Maida
Hi Bob
I came across this website and when I read your email, I recognized the last names. I called my Aunt Catherine, who grew up in Ambler, as did I, and she gave me the following info. Your grandmother’s mother was Theresa Minio Taverna. My great grandfather Frank Minio’s sister. Also, your Aunt Theresa was in my parents wedding, that is if you are Antoinette’s son? I remember Aunt Fannie coming to visit my grandmother when I was little, they were first cousins. I guess that makes us third cousins.
Looking for information on my GG grandparents, Gregorio DeVito and Giovanna Gigliotti from Maida, They had at least two sons Giuseppe and Francisco. I do know Giuseppe was born abt. 1873 and married Teresa Riccio born abt. 1878. Any information on these families will be greatly appreciated.
Ciao. I’m looking for the parents of Francesco Giampa and Maria Vicenza Tomaino, my great grandparents, from Maida
Looking for information. Any information is appreciated. Grazi.
There was a Maria Tomaino BIRTH 16 MAR 1843 • Praticello, Decollatura, Catanzaro, Calabria,Italy. Do not have any other information except to say Tomaino name was predominate in Decollatura.
Hello looking for anything on the last names of Colibraro and Reale
Looking for my family in Maida. Our last name is Ceneviva
My grandfather’s name was Gregorio and born around 1895. He came to America when he was 15. A Stone Mason by trade. I had a stencil he made with the address but this is all I can remember. I was in touch with Antonio from the same area but lost touch. Please help.
Thank you
Merry Christmas
James, my mother’s name is Victoria Ceneviva. My grandfather’s name is Francisco Ceneviva His wife, my grandmother’s name is Francesca Ceneviva. They arrived in the US in 1920. Lived in Jenkintown Pennsylvania. They are from Maida
My nonno came from vena di maida. Antonio conestabile and his momma Elisabatta Lucia and Pappa domenico conestabile. Any info thanks maria
Have you found what you’re looking for? My family comes from Vena. I can help if you need it.
Seeking information on Gaetano Cristallo, born Catanzaro 1871 married to Anna Murica also born in Catanzaro 1887. Both emigrated to USA and died 1920 and 1978 respectively. Any information appreciated. e-mail:
My father-Vincenzo Donato and mother Mariana Paone and brother were born in Maida. Any info about them would be appreciated
My Grandmother was Filomena Donato born in 1880 and passed in 1958 in Delaware. She married Tomasso Pantani who was born in 1867 and passed in 1955 in Delaware. I understand that they were born in Catanzaro and almost surely in the village of Maida. My name is Nick. If you comment I will respond.
My paternal grandfather was Filippo Mancuso born in Crotone, my grandmother, Caterina Papaleo, was born in Maida. My maternal grandmother was Rafaella Donato, born in Maida. Her husband was Giacomo Governa, born in Settingiano. They all emigrated to Philadelphia, Pa. Other associated surnames: Gagliardi, Storino, Scalfaro, Mauro, Iuliano, Formica, Puccio, Munizza, Potente, Paone, Notaro, Cardamone, Responses,or questions are appreciated.
Frank We may have a connection with the the town and two of the names. My Gparents were Donato and Pantani and settled in Wilmington DE
Hi Nicholas, Long time since I’ve searched this site. My maternal great grandfather was Mariano Donato.I think his father was Francesco. My father’s sister, Assunta Mancuso, married Francesco Donato, from Maida. Relatives of Francesco are still living in Maida. Perhaps you could be related to them
Hi Nicholas!
I just happened to come across this website. Frank who responded to you is my cousin (his father Pietro and my grandmother Assunta were brother and sister). My grandmother Assunta married Francesco Donato(both Maidesi). There were two Francesco Donato born in Maida the same year and coincidently they were brothers-in-laws. The other Francesco Donato married Teresa, Assunta’s sister. To clarify, two Mancuso sisters married men with the same name but. From what my relatives in Italy tell me they were not related. My grandfather Francesco was the only member of his family to come to the United States. His entire family live in towns in the province of Catanzaro and I am close to them.
I am seeking information about Gaetano Boca ..born in Maida 1892 …mother’s maiden name was Spada ..he died fighting in the Italian army 1917 in the Mt Grappa area….
REPLY TO RICCARDO: Greetings, all my direct ancestors were stateside (in America) by 1890, but my family records a “Rosellini Boca” marrying into the surname “Santo” in the first or second quarter (?) of the 19th century in the town of Vena (Maida, Catanzaro), Calabria. This is about all I have, but do you have any information on a “Rosellini Boca?” Best – Geo.
My 2nd Great Grandfather was Gaetano Boca who was married to a “Rosemarie” but I do not believe it is the same person since my 1st Great Grandfather, Joseph Boca, was born Feb 3, 1870 in Vena di Maida. He first came to the US in 1897 and then stayed in 1900. Could possibly be a cousin? Would love to exchange information.
TO VALERIE: – RE: Surname “Boca” – Prior to The Risorgimento, a Rosellini Boca married Gioacchino Santo who’s son was was my Great Grandfather, i.e., Jacque, or variation of that Christian name, Santo, born 1865 in Vena), had migrated to the U.S. via New Orleans approximately 1891. If this sounds like a realtion… then please contact me at email provided in reply application, with the subject line JACK SANTO, etc. Thanks – G.
I am researching my great grandfather Federico Fiore, born 25 Nov 1865 died 1920. I believe his father was Francesco Saverio De Fiore Born 18 Sep 1825- Died 1 May 1893. What I am missing is Francesco Saverios wife, Federicos mother. I think she may have been a Pileggi. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I am researching my ancestors who was born in the maida/ filadelphia area….My father’s name is Giuseppe Braccio born 2 Feb 1898 and died Jun 1977. His fathers name is Francesco Antonio Braccio, Born; 1858 and died 1900.
He married Vincenzena Ruscio( born: 18 jun 1904 in USA;) Her Father was Vincenzo Ruscio(born 5 nov 1864 in Maida?) Died in USA…….Can you help me??????
I would like to know more about the family of these persons…..
Thank you
Did your Grand Father have a sister Marianna Braccio?
My grandmother was a Braccio! Born 1900 Edge Hill PA. Three sisters Nicholena (born in Italy stayed there, married Frank Ciliberto, Thresa married a Pappleo, Catherine married Tony Peliggi. (Pardon my spelling )traveled toMaida in 2019 and met Nicholena’s granddaughter! Cousins!
Ah … I just got another hint from others doing family research on two brothers from Maida, Italy who emigrated in 1904. Does anyone know how to trace the Pirozzi family? Here is what I know ….
Two brothers:
– Frank Port (aka Gregorio Pirozzi) **my great grandfather by marriage
– Dominic Port (aka Dominic Pirozzi)
Parents were: Thomas Pirozzi (born in Sicily) + Jeanette Pirozzi (birthplace unknown)
Dominic Married Victoria Bevivino who came from Calabria
1894–1978
BIRTH 25 NOV 1894 • Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
DEATH 1 AUG 1978 • Ellwood City, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, USA
IMMIGRATION 9 June 1913 • New York, USA
SS Martha Washington Departed Palermo, Italy 24 May, 1913
I am trying to locate information about my maternal GG grandparents. My mother was told that they lived in Maida, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy for many generations, but I cannot find very much except if they came to the USA.
My grandfather, Francesco Mario Puiia (1903 -1994) immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1921 (he went by Giuseppe and didn’t know his real name until late in life).
His father was Salvatore Puiia (born about 1872) and was married to Vittoria Tedesco (born about 1875).
Francesco had 2 brothers, Salvatore (born about 1907) and Domenico (born about 1905). Francesco gave the family property to Salvatore’s family.
My mother does not know the names any of Francesco’s grandparents, but recalls stories about his grandfather that she has no idea how factual they are.
If you can find any information about Salvatore Puiia’s (1872-) or Vittoria Tedesco’s (1875-) parents, it would be truly appreciated. Most important to my mother is Salvatore’s father.
Thanks so much!
Lynne
Lynne,
Vittoria Tedesco is my father-in-law’s aunt. I have lots of information to share and would like to find out more what you know.
Priscilla
my grandmother anna peta was born in maida Italy sept 29 1891.all family records were lost in a fire years ago.were tryng to find parents names fathers might have been baptista not sure she married Antonio clerio and came to usa in 1910 she died in 1976 in Richmond calif any help would be good thank you mark schwery
information about antonio sonetto born around 1884