Why are all important mafia bosses called Don?

It is a title in Spain (Don/Dona) and Italy (Don/Donna) descending from Latin "dominus," master, lord. It is thus cognate with French/British/Portuguese Dom/Dame and British Dan (judge).

Back to the entertainment aspect. Interestingly, you'll note Puzo's _Godfather_ can be broken up as God-father. Dominus is the Latin translation for Hebrew Adonai and Greek Kurie, a title of the Lord God. In the book and movie, Don Corleone's titles of Don and Godfather allude to the awe and respect in which he is held, the mastery to which he aspires, and the hubris which he cannot shake.

It means a superior man. a man capable of having 7 sons.

Don is a title of respect prefixed to a man's Christian name. For example, if a mafia boss was named Joe Ravioli he would be Don Ravioli.

before the mafia there was a even greater criminal organisation called the catholic church,don is a referance to priests, who where even greater thieves than the mafia,thats where it comes from

It comes from the European origins of the Mafia. The term "don" is used in both Italian and Spanish cultures as the definition of "Sir". Although historically this represented someone of knighthood, it gradually evolved into someone of high importance and respect.

In the Mafia the term Don is meant as a title of respect. The Mafia was originally an "honored society" and to be called Don meant you were a man of honor.

Because you don mess with them!

They don't like to be called Donald.

12 sons and 3 daughters.

The word Don means

1. Mr.; Sir: a Spanish title prefixed to a man's given name.

2. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a lord or gentleman.

3. a person of great importance.

(Society quickly realised they better show respect to a man with a team of guns, instead to getting shot !)

bondstarakil@yahoo.com

don is a name which is full of great mafia flavour.
its also a nice name to hear.
Thx.......