His parents named him in Latin, calling him Deronimus Williamus. But, In Italian, the name somehow became completely transformed into Giovanni Caboto, which many believe was an effort of the maritime explorer to hide his debts by changing his identity. From the Italian version of his name, which is the one he used when signing important documents, Deronimus became known across the European continent as a man who could be spoken to in any language because, after all, money has a mouth that will kiss any tongue. In France, perfumes whispered to him as Jean Cabot. In Spain, precious gems sang to him as Juan Caboto. And, in England, coins clanked to him as John Cabot.