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Ms. Moore:
The name Conte derives from the Italian word for "count"; not as in numbers, but as in "Count Dracula." Therefore it would be considered a court name, a name of nobility. Although it can't be ruled out that the name began as a nickname (for someone of noble carriage), or as an occupation name (for someone who worked as a servant for a noble family).
The process in which your great grandfather's spelling was created from the word Contessa is, I would think, unusual, but obviously not unheard of.
At present, I only know of two variations of this name, Conte and Conti. But some Italian families with these names maintain they are not at all related!
To further confuse the issue, there is also the matter of the French spelling, which is Conte, while the spelling Conti is more typically Italian. Yet, both spellings are found in both countries!
As for you own family, from what your great grandfather has said, once you go past him in your tree you should be looking for the name Contessa.
With Kindest Regards,
Dr. Duncan MacTavish
E-mail: yonts@nii.net
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