What's in a name?

While comedians are having a wild Bacchanal over the gift from the gods of the Weiner-Penis scandal, I can't help but think of one thing:  How is it that this guy went through life - especially elementary school and college - with that last name?  I always thought that Americans were very quick to change their last name, especially if it was a bit embarrassing, like Pork or Hamburger or Hardon or something of that nature.  
I suppose based on the pictures coming to light, he was clearly proud of his family name, and wanted to 'uphold' the brand, so to speak.


I have always gotten a big kick out of the last names you come across in Italy.  In Italy, up until very very recently, and I'm quite certain in most city offices it's still not allowed, you couldn't change your name if you wanted to.  While I've almost never come across embarrassing last names (the Italians clearly since time began, always kept in check their Bella Figura), you still come across names that always put a smile on your face.


My coworkers and I used to keep a running list whenever we came across a client that had one of those.  What I wouldn't give to have it now.  

Buongiorno

Mangiapane   Mr. Eatbread

Bevilacqua    Mrs. Drinkwater

Bugiardini     Little liars

Poverelli      Poor little souls
Malinconico  Melancholic

Inganno        Trickster

Tagliabue     Ox-cutter
Quattrocchi     Four-eyes

Culetto        Little ass

Bastardo
Amore

You also come across cities that give you a chuckle, like Bastardo (Umbria) or Scopa (Screw or Sweep, near Milan), or Malpensa (Ill-thought) - one place in which I for one wouldn't want to live...
You can find another enjoyable listing here, replete with photos (just click on 'listing here') but in any case, feel free to add to mine in the comments below!