Abruzzo or Abruzzi- Which One is Correct?

My Italian heritage is rooted in two regions of Italy: Sicily and Abruzzo. Specifically, the towns of Polizzi Generosa and Villetta Barrea, respectively.

One thing I always wondered when reading about others claiming heritage in Abruzzo was that sometimes people would call it “Abruzzi” instead. Or if you’ve explored Italian culture or planned a trip to Italy, you may have come across the terms Abruzzo and Abruzzi.

These similar-sounding names often cause confusion, leading people to wonder if they represent different places or if there’s something more nuanced happening here. I did a little research and found the answer.

What’s the Difference?

The straightforward answer is that Abruzzo and Abruzzi both refer to the same region located in central Italy. The distinction between them isn’t geographical but rather historical and linguistic.

The name Abruzzi is an older, plural form that reflects historical divisions within the region. In the past, Abruzzo was administratively and culturally divided into distinct territories—specifically Abruzzo Citeriore and Abruzzo Ulteriore—which collectively became known as “Abruzzi,” essentially meaning “the Abruzzos.”

With time and administrative restructuring, the plural “Abruzzi” gradually gave way to the singular “Abruzzo,” which is now the official and widely recognized name used in contemporary Italy.

For anyone that speaks the Italian language (or like me is continuing to learn Italian), this makes perfect sense as plurals and genders regularly change the structure of Italian words.

Modern Context and Usage

Today, in official documents, modern Italian language, and current travel guides, “Abruzzo” is consistently used. This is the officially recognized name of the region and the one you will find when traveling or researching modern-day Italy.

However, the term “Abruzzi” continues to appear, particularly within historical contexts, older texts, maps, and among descendants of Abruzzese immigrants abroad. For many Italian Americans and other Italian diaspora communities, “Abruzzi” holds cultural significance, preserving a linguistic connection to their ancestral heritage.

Why the Confusion Persists

The ongoing confusion is rooted in historical migration patterns. Many Italians, including my great grandparents, emigrated from Abruzzo between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when the plural term “Abruzzi” was prevalent. As these immigrants settled overseas, especially in America, they continued to use “Abruzzi,” passing the term down through generations and maintaining its presence within their cultural vocabulary.

In conclusion, Abruzzo is today’s correct and official name, while Abruzzi remains historically and culturally important, particularly among communities of Abruzzese heritage.