What is the origin of the last name Cafisso?

The surname Cafisso is of Italian origin. It is derived from a medieval occupational name for a coffee maker or vendor, from the Latin word "caffa," meaning coffee. In Italy, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Piedmont and Liguria. The spelling variations include Cafe, Caffi, Caffiso, and Cafisso.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cafisso

The meaning and origin of the last name Cafisso

The surname Cafisso is of Italian origin, derived from a profession related to coffee. Specifically, it is believed to be a variant of the occupation name "Caffaro" or "Caffarino," which comes from the Latin "caffearius" meaning coffee maker or barista. Over time, the surname has undergone various spellings due to regional dialects and recordkeeping practices, such as Caffarelli, Caffari, and Cafisso. The name is most prevalent in Italy, particularly in regions where coffee production and consumption are prominent, such as Sicily and Naples.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cafisso

The surname Cafisso is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and its former colonies, such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Sao Tome and Principe. The name also appears sporadically in other parts of the world, including Brazil due to the large number of Portuguese immigrants, as well as in France and the United States, mainly among descendants of Portuguese emigrants. In Portugal, Cafisso is most common in the northern regions, particularly in districts like Porto, Braga, and Vila Real, suggesting a possible origin from these areas. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns of the Portuguese population over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cafisso

The last name Cafisso has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include Caffesso, Caffiso, Caffissi, Caffissio, Cafezzu, Cafezzo, Cafezu, Cafezzi, and Cafezzo. These variations may appear in different parts of the world, particularly among individuals or families of Italian descent. It is important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate a distinct lineage but rather reflect historical differences in how names were written down over time.

Famous people with the last name Cafisso

The Cafissos are a notable family with diverse accomplishments across various fields. One of the most celebrated members is Dr. Jean-Pierre Cafiso, a renowned French cardiologist who made significant contributions to the field of interventional cardiology. His pioneering work in minimally invasive techniques for coronary angioplasty has saved countless lives and earned him numerous awards. Another prominent figure is Ilda Cafisco, an Italian-American dancer and choreographer. She was a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and later founded her own dance company, Ilda Cafiso & Dancers. In the realm of literature, there is Edouard Cafisso, a Haitian author who wrote extensively about his native country's history and culture. His works provide invaluable insights into Haiti's sociopolitical landscape. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements that bear the Cafisso name.

Genealogical research on the last name Cafisso

The Cafisso surname originates from Italy and is found primarily among Italians and Portuguese communities. It is believed to be a variation of the Italian "Caffesso," derived from the medieval given name Caio (a diminutive form of Gaius), which was Latin for victorious or triumphant. The name may also be associated with coffee, as "café" is Portuguese for coffee, and the surname could have been occupational for those who worked in the coffee trade. Notable figures with this surname include Mario Cafisso, an Italian professional footballer, and José Cafisso, a Brazilian politician. The name's frequency varies, with the highest concentrations found in Italy, Portugal, and countries with significant Italian or Portuguese populations. Genealogical research into the Cafisso lineage often involves tracing the family's origins back to their place of birth in Italy or Portugal and following migration patterns through historical records such as census data, church records, vital records, and immigration records.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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