How did Sam become a nickname for Salvatore?

Answer 1

When Italians and Sicilians came to this country at turn of the century, they took on american names to be better accepted. They were no doubt helped by the officials at Ellis Island. Sam was alot easier to pronounce than Salvatore. All my 'Salvatore' relatives went by 'Sam'. I didn't start using 'Salvatore' until I went to college and the military. Today I go by 'Sal' or 'Sam'. Hope this helped.

S.DiMarco,Scottsdale,AZ