Hi Jim..
I couldnt tell you anything about Italy because all those relatives are now gone. About out name, I heard that Ida was shortened from something else when the faimly came to America, but not very sure what it was and if for sure it was really shortened. I will ask other relatives if it was and I will get back to you on it. I know for sure we dont have any German in us and actually was shocked that the name was German at all. I have a first cousin with the same name as you and at first I even thought it was him writting to see if he had contacted more distant relatives. He is very into the whole faimly culture thing. Well it was nice for you to get back to me so quickly and hope your faimly is doing fine and yourself. Please keep in contact and good searching for faimly! KIT Kimmarie