The surname Cefalo is of Italian origin. It derives from the medieval noun "cefalo" which means 'head' in Latin. This surname may have originally been an occupational name for a barber or a nickname for someone with a prominent or unusually shaped head. In some cases, it could also be a habitational name for someone who lived near a place named Cefalo, although no such location is known to exist in Italy today.
The surname Cefalo originates from Italy, specifically from the region of Sicily. It is derived from the medieval Italian given name "Cealo" or "Caelo," which means sky or heaven in Latin. During the Middle Ages, it was common for Italian surnames to originate from personal names, as a way to identify individuals within communities. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects and scribal errors. Today, Cefalo is found primarily among Italians but has also been adopted by other nationalities with Italian ancestry.
The surname Cefalo has its roots in Southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the Latin word "cephalus," meaning head or chief, indicating a possible noble origin. Over time, emigration waves from Italy, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led to the dispersal of the Cefalo family name across various parts of the world. Today, significant populations of individuals with the surname Cefalo can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. In the U.S., New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have particularly high concentrations of people bearing this surname due to early Italian immigration patterns.
The surname Cefalo has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and historical transcription errors. Some common variants include Cecala, Tsefalas, Tsifalas, Zefalas, Tsephalas, Tzeffalas, Tzefalas, Cephalo, and Keffalo. The name is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "cefalo" which means "head." It is a patronymic name, meaning it was originally used to denote a son of someone named Cefalo or Kaphelo, a Greek personal name derived from the Greek word "kephalē" meaning "head." This surname is most commonly found among Italian-Americans.
Notable individuals with the surname Cefalo include:
1. Anthony Cefalo (born 1947), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey from 1981 to 1986.
2. Tony Cefalo (born 1953), a former Major League Baseball player and coach. He played for several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates, during his career spanning from 1974 to 1986.
3. Vincent Cefalo (born 1955), an American author known for his book "The Gangster Report," which focuses on organized crime in the United States.
4. Frank J. Cefalo (1930-2021), a prominent American attorney and politician who served as the Mayor of Plainfield, New Jersey from 1986 to 1990. He was also the first Italian American to serve as mayor of the city.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, and literature.
The surname Cefalo, originating from Italian roots, is derived from the medieval occupational name for a falconer, derived from the Latin "cephalus," meaning head, and referring to the bird's head-like appearance during flight. In Sicily, where many Cefalo descendants hail from, it was also used as a nickname for someone who had a bald head or resembled a falcon.
The Cefalo family migrated to the United States primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable settlements in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Many Cefalos were involved in various trades such as mining, construction, and farming. Notable descendants include Joseph F. Cefalo, a former mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Thomas J. Cefalo, a prominent attorney and politician.
Today, the surname Cefalo is common in the United States, with the highest concentrations in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Florida, reflecting its historical migration patterns. Genealogical research on the Cefalo family can be traced through various online resources, including ancestry databases, local historical societies, and immigration records.
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surnames > cefrin
The surname "Cefrin" has its origin in Wales. It is a variant of the Welsh surname "Seifrin," which is derived from the Old Welsh personal name "Seifrig," meaning "victorious peace...