Last Name Cifelli

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cifelli

The meaning and origin of the last name Cifelli

The surname Cifelli is an Italian name derived from the given name Zefirino or Zephyrinus, which is a variant of the Greek name Zephyros. Zephyros was the personification of the west wind in Greek mythology. During the Middle Ages, personal names were often used as surnames to help distinguish individuals within a community, particularly among those with common given names. In Italy, the spread of the Cifelli surname can be traced back to regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. The name is most commonly found in central and northern parts of the country. Today, people bearing the Cifelli name can be found across the globe, particularly in countries with significant Italian-American populations, like the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cifelli

The surname Cifelli is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in Italy, particularly within the central and northern regions. Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont are some of the areas where the name is most prevalent. Beyond Italy, the distribution of Cifelli extends to other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina, due to historical migrations. In North America, it's particularly common in the United States, primarily among populations of Italian descent residing along the Eastern seaboard, particularly in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Smaller groups can also be found in Canada, Australia, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cifelli

The surname Cifelli has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations over time. Some common variations include Cifelleti, Cifali, Cifaley, Cifaletti, Cifelliti, Cifalo, Cifari, and Zifelli. These variations stem from dialectical and phonetic changes in Italian-speaking regions, where the surname originated. The name is derived from occupational roots, likely denoting a maker or seller of "cifas" or cowl hoods for liturgical vestments. It's important to note that these variations may also be influenced by factors such as clerical errors, migration, and assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Cifelli

The Cifelli surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Luigi Cifelli (1839-1921), an Italian fashion designer who founded the prestigious Maison Cifonelli in Paris during the late 19th century. His tailoring business, still thriving today, has dressed numerous aristocrats and celebrities, including Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy Jr. In the realm of sports, Mike Cifelli (born 1975) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for teams such as the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox. In the world of science, Paolo Cifelli (born 1956), an Italian paleontologist, is renowned for his work in vertebrate paleontology, particularly in the study of dinosaur evolution. Lastly, Italian-American actress Gina Cifolelli (1932-2010) was a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and played notable roles in television series such as The Rockford Files and Kojak. These figures exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Cifelli surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cifelli

The surname Cifelli is an Italian patronymic originating from the male given name Cifaldo, a diminutive form of the Byzantine name Zephyros, which means "west wind" in Greek. The name is primarily found in central and southern Italy, particularly in regions like Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, and Sicily. Notable figures with this surname include Giuseppe Cifelli, an Italian archaeologist, and Giuseppe Cifelli, a physician who contributed to the study of tropical diseases. The earliest known record of the name in Italy dates back to the 13th century. In other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia, the Cifelli family has a diverse history with roots tracing back to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 26 July 2025