Specific surnames were most commonly given to children who were orphans, illegitimate, or foundlings such as Esposito meaning exposed or Trovato, meaning found which identified the child for life as an abandoned child.  This often caused shame and embarrassment to the child.  After the Unification in 1865, this practice was no longer allowed.

Other common foundling names include:
Benvenuto - Welcome
Conforte - Comforted
Salvati - Saved
Brutto - Ugly
Sventura- Unfortunate
Aflitto - Afflicted