In reading the current posted messages, it
appears most Violante's are from Italy. One
of you mentions one from Scotland, but
believes the name originated in France. My
father was born and raised in Foz do Arelho,
Portugal. It is located about 60 miles
north of Lisbon on the west cost. My father
was Henrique Antunes Violante. His parents
(my Grandparents)were Henrique Violante and
Gertrude Antunes. Henrique Violante's
parents (my Great Grandparents) were Joaquim
Violante and his wife Victoria. They were
all from this very small, beautiful, Portuguese
village, where i have been privileged to travel
many times. There are still old folks there
who were friends with my great grand parents.
I feel fortunate to know this much of my family
tree, however I often wonder where they came
from before this little village. I would like
to go back further. Portugal is somewhat of
a melting pot of nationalities. Because it is
one of the eastern most coasts of Europe, there
were many shipwrecks there. People settled
wherever their ship wrecked. In the north you
see decendants of the vikings, having lighter
hair, skin, and blue eyes. Further south there
are decendants of the Moors who are darker
complected. I hear that other countries who
wanted to exile their own people, sent them
to Portugal back in the early centries. So
my interest is finding hhw my family ended up
in Foz do Arelho, Portugal. Have any ideal??