Margaret, Although, I've researched several family lines in Sao Miguel with the Moniz surname, unfortunately, I never have encountered any that were combined with Marangaia. Usually, double surnames represent the merging of two families (maternal and paternal). It may have been in the interest of succeeding generations to continue using the double surname for reason (s) of title, property, or, wealth.
Sometimes, the surnames of earlier prominent persons would be attached to the family's surname, especially, if there was a possibility they could establish a common link with that family - again, usually for the reasons stated above. Alternately, Marangaia may just have been attached to Moniz as an "alcunha," or nickname. These were often attributed by the townsfolk to newcomers, or, other townsfolk, based on some attribute - such as, physical appearance, previous residence, or, just so as to distinguish between two different families sharing the same surname. As an example, an ancestor of mine married a person from Salga, and, of course, Salga then became that branch's alcunha. If Marangaia is indeed an alcunha, it disappears once you go back past that original generation, but, if it is a place name, you know where to continue your research. Hope this helps. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ On Feb 4, 11:43 am, Margaret Vicente <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi, > > Has anyone come across the Marangaia surname? I've reached the end of this > line and I'm wondering about the origins of my ancestor Manuel de Siqueira > Marangaia? He married Maria Moniz in the village of Agua de Pau, Sao Miguel > circa 1650. > > Thank you. > > -- > Margaret M Vicente -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
