Good morning, How can I find birth records from this period in city of Monchzell? I have a death record that says ancestor was from Monchzell, krs. Heidelberg. The only birth record I can find with his name, Joannes Georgius Philipp is from another city, Heiligkreuzsteinach, which is also near Heidelberg. Is it possible that Monchzell did not have a Roman Catholic church in the 1720-30 period and he was baptized in Heilgkreuzsteinach?
The surname came down as Philippi through German speakers. Trying to decide when it went from Italian roots to German through intermarriage. Some first names look Italian at first glance but now appear to be entered in Latin. E.g. middle name entered as Georgius which isn't the German spelling for George. Can't decide if this is indication family was Italian at this point or just that a local priest made the church entry in Latin. Any thoughts from your experience? Wife's name is Lucia which sounds Italian to me. Also death record spells surname as Philipp but later records add the "i" and ultimately change spelling to Filippi in Hungary. Trying to learn if family root is really Philipp (which may be French) or Philippi (Italian). Family was part of the Donauschwaben resettlement to the Banat. I'm trying to find records prior to that point. So far, not much luck.
Thanks for any help.
Carol Filippi