I know no Italian (shame!, and its embarrasing when in Italy with this surname) so I must put this question to the list: Can anyone tell me the derivation of Italian surnames, particularly mine? Did they originate in the same way as British ones, ie relating to eg, parent's name or location or some personal attribute? I've always wanted to know. Many thanks Colin Moretti (we've been in London since before 1834) Researching Moretti, particularly, and Whatmough, Philo and Hall, all in London