PolishOrigins(TM) Forum

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Steve Sr. — Fri Feb 06, 2026 5:51 pm

Author: Steve Sr.

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 5:51 pm

Trish:

I too was disappointed as well that we are not "paesani". It took a year for me just to get warmed up to the basics of Ancestry.com thanks to my wife's cousin who is heavily into genealogy. If it weren't for this forum and the wonderful people here it would have been nearly impossible to build my family tree.

Currently 57 people in my tree going back to my 4th generation grand parents.

As for the DNA part: 6,593 shared matches. 3 close family, 13 extended, and WAY too many distant. No plans on attempting to connect all those dots just yet.

Grazie a tutti! Dziękuję wam wszystkim!

(I thought I quoted your last reply then added mine. Pressed "submit" and it seemed to disappear. Sorry. Someday I'll get the hang of it!

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Steve Sr. — Fri Feb 06, 2026 5:43 pm

Author: Steve Sr.

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 5:43 pm

Trish wrote:

Steve Sr. wrote:

Trish: I have traced my family roots over the past year but not with this story in mind. However, your DNA suggestion was a wake up call! Never occurred to me that we did DNA testing some years ago through Ancestry.com. My wife's cousin suggested the test for her side of the family however I was included for whatever reason. Hoping my 4 ancestral regions will get attached.

So, it appears that I don't have any Italian in my genes!

Hi Steve,

Here I thought we were going to be "paesani". I'm glad you remembered that you already did your DNA. Did you look to see who is a "shared match" to you? You can connect to various people who could be related to you. Those connections could lead you to find more clues about your ancestors.

Regards,
Trish

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Trish — Fri Feb 06, 2026 9:49 am

Author: Trish

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2026 9:49 am

Steve Sr. wrote:

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Steve Sr. — Wed Feb 04, 2026 8:25 pm

Author: Steve Sr.

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2026 8:25 pm

Hello all!

Thanks to all of your input here I have come to the conclusion that my relatives story is just that. Will do my best to explain.

Sophia: My original theory was that if an Italian stayed in Poland after the uprising, he MIGHT have added an “ak” to the end of his name, thus turning a common Italian name “Moroni” into “Moroni-ak”. Researching Polish surname endings back then, the “ak” MIGHT mean “new guy in town”. This is when my imagination went wild years ago.

I totally agree with what you said about the letter you found from Antoni Moroni. “...not proof that there is any connection between the names Moroni and Moroniak. Also, the letter is showing that this Antonio left Poland.”

Also, your comment, “In addition, you can see from this website that Moroniak baptisms were happening in Bychawa as early as 1837, which does not work with the idea that some Italians felt enough of a kinship to the Polish cause to come and participate in 1863 and then stayed.”

This all makes total sense.

Trish: I have traced my family roots over the past year but not with this story in mind. However, your DNA suggestion was a wake up call! Never occurred to me that we did DNA testing some years ago through Ancestry.com. My wife's cousin suggested the test for her side of the family however I was included for whatever reason. Hoping my 4 ancestral regions will get attached.

So, it appears that I don't have any Italian in my genes!

In response to MikeP:

Wasn't aware of William Hoffman's "Polish Surnames" book however it's interesting that according to his book, as of 2002 there were 58 Moroniak's using that surname. When my relative first contacted me in 2008, he said there were 58 Moroniaks living in Poland at that time. Finally something matches!

Many thanks to all who have responded to this post and my other posts in 2025. I have learned more than expected.

Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

MikeP — Wed Feb 04, 2026 12:12 am

Author: MikeP

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2026 12:12 am

Good Evening!
I found the surname Moroniak under the stem Mor- on page 463 (Vol. II, 3rd edition) of William Hoffman's "Polish Surnames" book. Surnames with the stem mor- can derive from the word mór "plague, epidemic" or from mor "black" or from mora "sickly stench" or from the verb morzyć "to torment, torture (to death)". Hoffman lists several surnames starting with the letters Moro- along with the number of Polish citizens who used that surname as of year 2002. The surnames are: Moroń (1251), Morończyk (149), Moroniak (5, Morońska (80), Moroński (7 and Moros (106).
Best of luck with your research!
Mike

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Trish — Tue Feb 03, 2026 11:49 am

Author: Trish

Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2026 11:49 am

Sophia wrote:

Hi everyone,

While the story of descending from an Italian who participated in the 1863 uprising is very appealing, I hold some doubt about it. The letter that I found from Antonio Moroni is simply proof that a Moroni was part of the insurgency, but not proof that there is any connection between the names Moroni and Moroniak. Also, the letter is showing that this Antonio left Poland.

In addition, you can see from this website that Moroniak baptisms were happening in Bychawa as early as 1837, which does not work with the idea that some Italians felt enough of a kinship to the Polish cause to come and participate in 1863 and then stayed:
https://regestry.lubgens.eu/viewpage.php?page_id=1057
(see image below)

Steve, your idea of a family connection to the Moroni name is based on your feeling that Moroniak is not a Polish name. However, I looked at the Herby website (which lists the number of people in the early 1990s who used a particular surname) to see how many names begin with the letters "Moro...." and there are many. It might be worthwhile to ask MikeP who contributes to this forum to look up what that root means, since so many Polish names include it.
(see images below, showing only about half of those names)
The one most probable for you, in my opinion, would be Moroń morphing into Moroniak, as the -ak and -iak endings are a form of diminutive in Polish surnames.

I think that you need to trace your ancestors back in time, look at the names of those who were of a reasonable age to participate in the uprising, and go to the website that Barb provided a link for, to see if any of your ancestors is known to have been among the heroes of 1863.

I am intrigued to know what your theory is, of how to check the veracity of your family story, so I will stay tuned.

Best of luck,
Sophia

Hi Everyone,

Steve, I agree with Sophia. I too feel as though you need to trace your family to see where it may lead.

Steve, I do have one thought, you can always do your DNA. My personal opinion would be through ancestry.com. Ancestry.com is able to narrow down your DNA results to certain regions of Italy. Ancestry.com is trying to do the same with Polish regions. They just need more people especially those living in Europe to do their DNA.

I will make one more comment about Northern Italy. There are a lot of various surnames in Northern Italy such as French, German, and several others. This is because Northern Italy borders so many countries. So Norhern Italy does not just have Italian surnames. Back in the day, Venice even had it's own Jewish population in the town.

Keep us posted as to how you make out. I'm curious too!
Regards,
Trish

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Sophia — Tue Feb 03, 2026 6:06 am

Author: Sophia

Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2026 6:06 am

Hi everyone,

While the story of descending from an Italian who participated in the 1863 uprising is very appealing, I hold some doubt about it. The letter that I found from Antonio Moroni is simply proof that a Moroni was part of the insurgency, but not proof that there is any connection between the names Moroni and Moroniak. Also, the letter is showing that this Antonio left Poland.

In addition, you can see from this website that Moroniak baptisms were happening in Bychawa as early as 1837, which does not work with the idea that some Italians felt enough of a kinship to the Polish cause to come and participate in 1863 and then stayed:
https://regestry.lubgens.eu/viewpage.php?page_id=1057
(see image below)

Steve, your idea of a family connection to the Moroni name is based on your feeling that Moroniak is not a Polish name. However, I looked at the Herby website (which lists the number of people in the early 1990s who used a particular surname) to see how many names begin with the letters "Moro...." and there are many. It might be worthwhile to ask MikeP who contributes to this forum to look up what that root means, since so many Polish names include it.
(see images below, showing only about half of those names)
The one most probable for you, in my opinion, would be Moroń morphing into Moroniak, as the -ak and -iak endings are a form of diminutive in Polish surnames.

I think that you need to trace your ancestors back in time, look at the names of those who were of a reasonable age to participate in the uprising, and go to the website that Barb provided a link for, to see if any of your ancestors is known to have been among the heroes of 1863.

I am intrigued to know what your theory is, of how to check the veracity of your family story, so I will stay tuned.

Best of luck,
Sophia

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Steve Sr. — Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:41 pm

Author: Steve Sr.

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:41 pm

Hi Barb, Sophia, and Trish!

Not used to using “Quote” just yet.

I didn't expect such quick replies, but Thank You! This is an interesting side journey into my Polish heritage. Before continuing, permit me to relate a funny story.

When this “Italian Insurgent who may have started the Moroniak family” story was mentioned to my biological fathers sister here in the USA, her comment was, “No wonder everybody loves my spaghetti so much!” She had a great sense of humor and is dearly missed.

Based on the input you've all provided a little more research is due on my end. My relative who originally told me the story sent me birth, marriage, and death records from Bychawa and Bychawka parish books in 2008. Thanks to all of you, I know how to access these records on my own.

Sophia: You were correct about looking for an Italian named Moroni. Started that 15 years ago but gave up. For awhile thought I was related to an Italian painter. Those scans are interesting. Now all that's needed is for me to learn Italian and brush up on my Polish! Same applies to the Polish site that Barb mentioned.

Trish and Sophia: In records I've found in Bychawa and Bychawka parish books there are a few Polish men in our family named Antoni. As for Antonio Moroni, that surname is fairly common, however there might be some variations.

I have an idea about checking out my relatives story. Will keep you posted about my theory. It will be interesting to hear everyone's reply.

Thank you all again!

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Trish — Mon Feb 02, 2026 4:04 pm

Author: Trish

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 4:04 pm

Sophia wrote:

Trish wrote:

Hi Steve, Barb, and Sophia,

I find this post so interesting!

Sophia you are correct that the Italian name would be Antonio Moroni. Now I found this very interesting. I just happened to look at some records for the town of Stezzano. I found this death record for an Anonio Moroni.

Link:
https://antenati.cultura.gov.it/ark:/12657/an_ua16989981/w6k8Vq1

Death Record Act #62
Death Year: 1874
Scan#32

Name: Antonio Moroni
Date of Death: 6 September 1874 in Stezzano, Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy
Death Address: Constrada (street) Mobile - House #34
Age of Death: 40 Years old
Father: Pietro Moroni - deceased - farmer
Mother: Teresa Lorenzi - deceased - farmer
Spouse: Giovanna Baldini - alive

I don't know if this is the same Antonio Moroni that Sophia found. I just thought this record was interesting.

Have a great day!
Trish

Hi Trish!
Well, that is very interesting! His age seems like a good fit for someone who could have been in Poland in 1863. Would Antonio Moroni be a very common Italian name? Or more on the rare side?
Sophia

Hi Sophia,

The surname Moroni is found in almost all regions of Italy. The Lombardy region contains the surname the most. The surname seems to be more promient in the northern regions of Italy than the southern regions of Italy.

Warm regards,
Trish

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Sophia — Mon Feb 02, 2026 2:08 pm

Author: Sophia

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 2:08 pm

Trish wrote:

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Trish — Mon Feb 02, 2026 12:31 pm

Author: Trish

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 12:31 pm

Sophia wrote:

Steve Sr. wrote:

Not sure if the is the right forum for this but here goes:

When I first connected with a relative of mine from Poland in 2008 we confirmed that we were directly related. He knew my grandfather Roman Moroniak who came to America in 1911. I've done a good amount of research on our family and have all that's required to date. (Thanks to many good people on here!)

At the time my relative, who passed some time ago, related a very interesting story. In his own words:

"The story of our family is very unusual. We probably derive from the Italian insurgent who was fighting for Polish Independence in the January Uprising of 1863. He stayed in Poland and started the family."

Intriguing to say the least. But as we all know stories can be just that. Moroniak is certainly not a Polish name, but my imagination got the best of me. If I were Italian, didn't get caught during the uprising, and decided to remain in Poland at that time I just might want to change my last name. Why not add “iak”?

So I have an over active imagination! Not sure if or how this story can be proven or refuted. Sadly there's no one left to do further research. Comments should be interesting. Thank you!

Hi Barb,

That is a great resource! I was not aware of it.

Hi Steve,

The way you wrote about adding an ending to the surname to arrive at Moroniak makes me think you are looking for an Italian named Moroni.

I checked out the Polish online archives and found reference to an Antonio Moroni (in Polish Antonio would be Antoni). In particular, look at Skan #1 and you will see it is like a table of contents. You will want to look at the second bullet point, where it says that this collection contains a letter written by Antoni Moroni, dated 31 May 1863, and sent from Stezzano in northern Italy. I then paged through the images and the ones that correspond with this letter are Skans #56-59. They begin with a letter written in Italian, followed by a letter written in Polish. I did not read either one. It is possible that the one in Polish is simply a translation of the one in Italian.

Here is the link:
https://www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl/jednostka/-/jednostka/17926797

Hope you find it interesting!

Sophia

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Sophia — Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:40 am

Author: Sophia

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 5:40 am

Steve Sr. wrote:

Re: Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

BarbOslo — Mon Feb 02, 2026 3:08 am

Author: BarbOslo

Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2026 3:08 am

Hi,
This is a very useful site. Unfortunately, everything is in Polish.
https://tkwp.pl/blog/przodkowie-w-powstaniu-styczniowym

-Barb

Family derived by an Italian Insurgent?

Steve Sr. — Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:16 pm

Author: Steve Sr.

Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 5:16 pm

Not sure if the is the right forum for this but here goes:

When I first connected with a relative of mine from Poland in 2008 we confirmed that we were directly related. He knew my grandfather Roman Moroniak who came to America in 1911. I've done a good amount of research on our family and have all that's required to date. (Thanks to many good people on here!)

At the time my relative, who passed some time ago, related a very interesting story. In his own words:

"The story of our family is very unusual. We probably derive from the Italian insurgent who was fighting for Polish Independence in the January Uprising of 1863. He stayed in Poland and started the family."

Intriguing to say the least. But as we all know stories can be just that. Moroniak is certainly not a Polish name, but my imagination got the best of me. If I were Italian, didn't get caught during the uprising, and decided to remain in Poland at that time I just might want to change my last name. Why not add “iak”?

So I have an over active imagination! Not sure if or how this story can be proven or refuted. Sadly there's no one left to do further research. Comments should be interesting. Thank you!