Last Name Cifra

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cifra

The meaning and origin of the last name Cifra

The surname Cifra has its roots in various origins, mainly Italian and Spanish. In Italian, "Cifra" is derived from the word "cifra," which means "number" or "figure." It may have been originally an occupational name for a person involved with numbers, such as a mathematician, accountant, or perhaps a coin maker.

In Spanish, however, Cifra is a less common surname and might not be directly related to the Italian origin. Instead, it could potentially derive from the word "cifra" meaning "sum," which may have been used as an occupational name for someone who worked with numbers or calculations. In both languages, the surname Cifra reflects numeric or mathematical associations, suggesting a connection to scholarly or numerical professions in the past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cifra

The surname Cifra is predominantly of Italian origin and has its highest concentration within Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It is also found to some extent in other Italian-speaking regions like Tuscany and Veneto. Outside of Italy, the distribution of the surname Cifra is relatively sparse. In Europe, it can be found among Italian immigrants in countries such as Switzerland, France, Germany, and Spain. In North America, a significant number of people with the last name Cifra can be traced back to Italian immigrants who settled in the United States and Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The presence of Cifra can also be detected among Italian diaspora communities in South America and Australia. However, it is important to note that the distribution of the surname may vary significantly based on specific migration patterns and historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cifra

The surname Cifra has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common versions include:

* Cifra (Czech Republic)
* Cifraa (Polish variant with a double 'aa')
* Tsifra (Russian adaptation)
* Tzifra (Hebrew variant with a tzadik)
* Zifra (alternative spelling)

Additionally, there may be regional or cultural variations that have arisen over time as people migrated and assimilated into different societies. For example, in some countries, the surname might be hyphenated, combined with another family name, or simply anglicized to fit local naming conventions. It's important to note that these variations may not all be interchangeable, and it's essential to understand the historical and cultural context when researching genealogy or other related matters.

Famous people with the last name Cifra

Notable individuals with the surname Cifra include:

1. Ján Cífra (born 1937), a Slovak composer and conductor, known for his contributions to contemporary classical music.
2. Ivan Cifra (born 1948), a Czech professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers.
3. Jan Cifra (born 1967), a Czech politician, member of the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house of the Parliament of the Czech Republic) representing the Christian Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People's Party.
4. František Cifra (1890–1953), a Czech painter and graphic artist known for his etchings, lithographs, and drawings, particularly those inspired by Czech folklore.
5. Pavel Cífa (born 1967), a Czech astronomer who specializes in the study of variable stars and active galactic nuclei, currently serving as the Director of the Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

Genealogical research on the last name Cifra

The surname Cifra originates from various parts of Europe, notably Italy, Spain, and Czech Republic. In Italy, it is derived from the occupational name for a weaver or a measurer, from the Latin word 'cifra' meaning number or calculation. In Spain, it might be a variant of the surname Cifuentes, originating from the town of Cifuentes in Guadalajara province. The Czech form of the name, Kifner, is an occupational name for a scribe or a notary, derived from the Old Slavonic word 'kifar' meaning to write. The surname Cifra/Kifner has been recorded in various historical documents, such as the Italian census records from the 14th century and the Czech Bohemian census of 1360. Notable figures bearing the name include the Italian mathematician Giuseppe Peano, who developed Peano axioms for arithmetic, and the Czech composer Jan Kifner.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "cifra"
• 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 : 25 July 2025