Last Name Cianfarra

The surname Cianfarra has its origins from Italy. It is derived from a medieval naming convention known as an occupational name. In this case, it is believed to have been originally given to someone who was involved in the trade of ironworks or smithing, specifically someone who worked with "ferro," which means iron in Italian, and "ciano" could possibly mean red, due to the color of hot iron. Over time, the name evolved into Cianfarra, reflecting regional dialect variations. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and further research might be necessary for a definitive explanation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cianfarra

The meaning and origin of the last name Cianfarra

The surname Cianfarra is an Italian name with roots in the southern region of Italy, particularly Campania. It is derived from the personal name Giovanni, which means "God is gracious," and the diminutive suffix "-otto" or "-ottole." Over time, this diminutive form evolved into the more common spelling of "Cianfarra," which can be translated as "little John."

The exact origin of the Cianfarra surname remains somewhat unclear, but it is believed that many Italian families with this name migrated from Campania to other regions of Italy and later to foreign countries due to economic pressures, political instability, or religious persecution. The surname can be found in various spellings such as Cianfarani, Cianfarrini, and Cianfarra-Rossi, reflecting regional variations and assimilations over the centuries. Today, it is a relatively uncommon name but still maintains its presence in Italy and other Italian communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cianfarra

The surname Cianfarra has its roots in Italy, specifically in the Campania region, particularly in the city of Salerno and nearby areas. However, it has also been found in other Italian regions such as Lazio, Puglia, and Sicily. Emigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a dispersal of this surname globally. In North America, significant populations of people bearing the Cianfarra name can be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario, and in the United States, primarily in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In Australia, there are notable communities carrying this surname, mainly in Victoria and New South Wales. In other parts of the world, such as France and Brazil, there are also individuals with the Cianfarra name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cianfarra

The surname Cianfrara has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Some of these variations include: Cianfagni, Cianfarani, Cianfarelli, Cianferri, Cianfilippo, Cianfranci, Cianfrani, Cianfrone, and Cianfreddo. These variations may also appear with different spellings of the "a" character, such as a, à, or ä. The name's origins are believed to be from Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Lazio. However, it is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can depend on factors such as immigration records, personal preference, and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Cianfarra

The Cianfarras are an Italian-American family known for their contributions in various fields. One notable member is Sal Cianfarro (1920-1963), a professional boxer who held the World Welterweight Championship from 1948 to 1950. In the entertainment industry, Anthony Cianfarano, better known as Tony Danza, has achieved fame for his acting roles in television shows such as "Taxi" and "Who's the Boss?". Another notable figure is Maria Cianfarra, a Canadian actress who has worked in film, television, and theater since the late 1970s. Lastly, Joseph Cianfarrari, an American lawyer, was appointed as a judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 2014. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Cianfarra

The surname Cianfarra originates from Italy, specifically from the region of Lombardy and Piedmont. It is a toponymic name derived from places named "Cianfroccia" or "Cianforchia," which come from the personal names "Ciano" or "Cianfroino," and the suffix "-aria" or "-orcia," meaning "place of" in Italian. The earliest known record of this surname dates back to the 12th century, with references found in documents from Milan and Turin. The family migrated to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries due to political and religious conflicts. Today, the Cianfarra family can be found in numerous countries, including Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals with this surname include Italian actor Alessandro Cianfarra and Canadian politician Dino Cianfarro.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cianfarra"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends