This is an unusual inclusion into this series.
Alberto Obertenghi (12th Century)
He was born to the Italian noble house of Obertenghi. It is generally agreed that Alberto was the originator of House Malaspina.
Alberto Malaspina (12th Century)
| Old Name | Change | Cognomen | Commemorative | New Name | Etymology |
| Alberto | – | – | Alberto | – | |
| Obertenghi | Bad behavior | Supposedly the death of his enemy by thorns | Malaspina | “bad thorn” [Italian] |
Some theories posit that the name originated from the time of the Roman King Ancus Marcius, while others suggest it arose from Alberto’s enemy King Merovingio Teodebeorto I death by thorns illustrated on stone tiles. Other theories include the fact that Alberto had bad behavior notorious enough to be given such a name. Regardless, the name change resulted in the fragmentation of lands owned by House Obertenghi.
The Malaspinas would go on to own land in many areas of Italy. Ironically, the Malaspina family were applauded by Dante Alighieri in “Purgatory” for their hospitality.
Sources
- Alighieri, Dante. “The Divine Comedy.”
- “Castello di Fosdinovo – Albero genealogico” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 October 2016.
- Guido Guagnini, I Malaspina, Il Biscione, Milano 1973.
- La marca Obertenga e i Feudi Imperiali
- “Malaspina family.” Wikipedia.