Last Name Cafaro

The surname "Cafaro" is of Italian origin. It is derived from a medieval occupation, specifically that of a baker or pastry maker. In Italian, 'cafaro' can mean 'baker'. The name is common in regions such as Calabria and Sicily, where the occupation was prevalent. As with many surnames, it was often used to identify someone by their trade or profession.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cafaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Cafaro

The surname Cafaro originates from Italy, specifically the region of Sicily, where it was historically prevalent among the Norman conquerors who invaded the island during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Italian word "Caffaro," which translates to "cofferer" or "keeper of chests." This may suggest that the original bearer of this name was responsible for maintaining the storage of valuable items, such as gold and documents. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have slightly varied, resulting in surnames like Caffaro, Caafaro, Cavarro, and Cavarro in different regions and time periods. Today, individuals bearing the name Cafaro can be found predominantly among Italian-American communities worldwide, reflecting the widespread migration of Italians to other countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cafaro

The surname Cafaro has its origins in Italy and is predominantly found in southern regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. It also appears in smaller numbers across other Italian provinces. Beyond Italy, significant diaspora populations of individuals with the last name Cafaro can be found in the United States, particularly in states with large Italian-American communities like New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Smaller concentrations can be found in Australia, Canada, and South America, reflecting historical Italian immigration patterns. The widespread geographical distribution of the surname Cafaro reflects both its deep historical roots in Italy and the global dispersal of Italian immigrants over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cafaro

The surname Cafaro has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Cafora, Caffaro, Cavara, Cavarro, Cavaro, Kafaro, and Kavaros. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preference. It's interesting to note that the name originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Calabria and Sicily. The name is derived from the Italian word "caffare" meaning 'coal-heaver', indicating a person who worked in a coal yard. Despite these variations, all these surnames share a common ancestry and are part of the vast tapestry of Italian names.

Famous people with the last name Cafaro

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Cafaro are:

1. John Cafaro (born 1942), an American politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for over two decades.

2. Frank J. Cafaro (1935-2006), an American politician, lawyer, and jurist who served on the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1984 until his retirement in 2000.

3. Joe Cafaro (born 1974), an American entrepreneur and founder of the clothing brand Volcom. He is also the co-founder of Tilly's, Inc., a specialty retailer of fashion apparel and footwear.

4. Maria Cafaro (born 1985), an American actress known for her roles in television series like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Madam Secretary".

5. Vincent A. Cafaro (1926-2013), a prominent American architect, city planner, and urban designer who worked on projects such as the University of California, Los Angeles campus master plan and the City of Costa Mesa General Plan.

Genealogical research on the last name Cafaro

The surname Cafaro originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Campania. It is derived from the Italian word "cafaro," meaning servant or laborer at a coffee mill. This name can be traced back to medieval Italy where it was common for individuals to take on occupational surnames.

The earliest known bearer of the Cafaro name is believed to be Riccardo Cafaro, born around 1340 in Calabria. His descendants spread throughout Italy and eventually immigrated to other countries, most notably the United States, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Cafaro family's migration patterns are well-documented, with many settling in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, where they contributed significantly to their communities as farmers, business owners, and laborers.

Today, the Cafaro name is found worldwide, with significant populations still residing in Italy but also in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Genealogical research suggests that there are several distinct branches of the Cafaro family, each with its unique history and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cafaro"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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