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Last Name Ciuffani

What is the origin of the last name Ciuffani?

The surname Ciuffani is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from the region of Emilia-Romagna. It is derived from the given name Giufà, a diminutive form of the name Gioffredo, which means "God's peace" in Old German. The name Giufà was commonly shortened to Zuan or Juan in other parts of Italy, but in Emilia-Romagna, it evolved into Ciuffa, and eventually Ciuffani as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ciuffani

The meaning and origin of the last name Ciuffani

The surname Ciuffani is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Giuffre (also spelled Giufrè, Jufré, or Zuefru). This name originated from the Old High German 'Giselbert' or 'Gislebert,' composed of the elements 'gisil,' meaning hostage or pledge, and 'berht,' bright or famous. Over time, the name evolved into Jofre in Old Occitan, Jufré or Giuffre in Italian, Geoffroy in French, and Geoffrey in English. The surname Ciuffani is a regional variation of this name, commonly found in central Italy, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria. It is pronounced as choo-FAH-nee in English. As with many Italian surnames, Ciuffani was originally a nickname or occupational name, possibly referring to someone who was a bearer of the given name Giuffre or was associated with that name in some way.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ciuffani

The surname Ciuffani is predominantly Italian in origin, with the majority of its occurrences found within Italy. Specifically, it's most concentrated in regions such as Marche, Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Italian populations. The name also has a presence in other parts of Europe, particularly in Switzerland and France, due to Italian immigration over the centuries. In the United States, New York, New Jersey, and Florida have significant numbers of individuals bearing the surname Ciuffani, which is likely a result of immigration from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the name Ciuffani reflects historical migration patterns of Italian populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ciuffani

The surname Ciuffani can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcribing and transliterating names over time. Some common variants include: Ciuffani, Chiuffani, Ciufani, and Ziuffani. These variations may originate from regional dialects or errors during the recording of family histories. Additionally, the name can also be found with different prefixes such as di, del, and de la, indicating a noble lineage in Italian culture. For example: Di Ciuffani, Del Ciuffani, De la Ciuffani. These variations reflect the diverse history and migration patterns of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Ciuffani

Notable individuals with the surname Ciuffani include:

1. Joe Ciuffari (born 1962), an American author and screenwriter known for his work on television shows like "The X-Files" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

2. Mike Ciufciak (born 1953), a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers.

3. Nick Ciuffo (born 1994), an American professional baseball player who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball.

4. Sal Ciufiti (1927-2008), an American football offensive lineman who played for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League.

5. Tony Ciuffo, a Canadian professional wrestler who competed in various promotions throughout North America and Japan during the 1980s and early 1990s.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of literature, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Ciuffani

The surname Ciuffani originates from Italy and is commonly found in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Historically, it is believed to be an occupational name derived from the Italian word "ciuffatore," meaning feather plucker or seller of feathers for quills used in writing. The surname can also be a regional name, originating from Ciufelli, a small town near Viterbo, Lazio. Early records show that the family was well-established in Italy by the 16th century. Notable individuals with the surname include Giuseppe Ciuffani, an Italian opera composer and conductor who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name has also been brought to other countries through migration, particularly to the United States and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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