First Advisor
Nathan Matlock
Thesis Committee Member(s)
Dr. J.T. Howe; Dr. Catherine Kleier; Dr. Lara Narcissi
Reader
Dr. Jazmin Muro
College
Regis College
Degree Name
BA
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Number of Pages
36
Abstract
This thesis examines the reasons, methods, and implications of the process by which immigrant individuals and families changed ethnic/heritage surnames to anglicized/Americanized surnames. Eastern and Southern immigrant groups are the focus of this work. Names have implications for group membership and personal identity; as a broad trend, the changing of family names was a significant way in which immigrant groups acculturated to mainstream American culture. In American history, immigration has been inextricably linked to issues of race and racial identity. These themes are explored in depth as they relate to personal and group identification and belonging.
Date of Award
Spring 2019
Location (Creation)
Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)
Copyright
© Kathryn A. Penick
Rights Statement
All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.
Recommended Citation
Penick, Kathryn A., "Name Changes in Search of a New Identity: Southern and Eastern European Immigrants and the Fashioning of White Identity in The United States" (2019). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 908.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/908