Princi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

Etymology of Princi

What does the name Princi mean?

The surname Princi is derived from the Latin word "princeps," which in turn comes from "primus," which means "first" and "capere," which means "to take." This name was likely originally a nickname for someone who behaved in a regal manner.

Early Origins of the Princi family

The surname Princi was first found in Bolgna (Latin: Bononia), the largest city and the capital of Emilia-Romagna Region. The earliest origins of this name have been traced to the city of Bologna, where a member of the Principi family was involved in the government in 1249. The famous University of Bolgna was founded in the 11th century, by the 13th century the student body was nearly 10,000. Dante and Petrarch studied there. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time was in itself a family honor. It is claimed that the Principi family has its roots in the 10th century, however, documented evidence starts in the 13th century when they held estates from 1249 to 1359 in the city.

Early History of the Princi family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Princi research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1298, 1359, 1598, 1720 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Princi History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Princi Spelling Variations

Surnames that originated in Italy are characterized by an enormous number of spelling variations. Some of these are derived from regional traditions and dialects. Northern names, for instance, often end in "o", while southern names tend to end in "i". Other variations come from the fact the medieval scribes tended to spell according to the sound of words, rather than any particular set of rules. The recorded variations of Princi include Principi, Principe, Principio, Principato, de Principe, Prinzi and many more.

Early Notables of the Princi family

the Principe family of Bologna

Princi migration to the United States +

An examination into the immigration and passenger lists has discovered a number of people bearing the name Princi:

Antonino Princi, aged 31, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Conte Biancamano" 1

Princi Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Wm Princi, aged 22, Norwegian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "City of Chester" in 1885 1
Maria Princi, aged 20, German settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Normannia" in 1891 1
Maria Princi, who settled in New York, NY in 1891
Domenico Princi, aged 24, settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Scindia" in 1897 1
Antonio Princi, aged 26, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "California" in 1898 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Princi Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Giuseppe Princi, aged 37, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Vincenzo Florio" in 1900 1
Salvatore Princi, aged 18, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Spartan Prince" in 1900 1
Autonio Princi, aged 23, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Spartan Prince" in 1900 1
Luisa Princi, aged 46, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Spartan Prince" in 1900 1
Carmelo Princi, aged 47, Italian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Aller" in 1901 1

Princi migration to Australia +

Princi Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century

Giuseppe Princi, aged 56, Italian butcher who arrived Fremantle, Australia aboard the ship "Regina D'Italia" in 1926 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Princi (post 1700) +

Peter W. Princi (1915-1984), American attorney who served as Collector of Customs for the Port of Boston and as a United States magistrate judge
Carl Victor Princi (1920-1992), American actor and radio announcer
Elaine Princi (b. 1946), American actress, known for her roles on several soap operas, including Dr. Dorian Lord on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live
Giuseppina Princi (b. 1972), Italian politician of Forza Italia who was elected member of the European Parliament in 2024

Sources +

Ellis Island Search retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
National Archives of Australia retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au