Last Name Colafrancesco

The surname "Colafrancesco" is an Italian patronymic surname. It derives from a given name composed of the elements "cola", meaning "charcoal burner" or "tanner," and "Francesco," which is the Italian version of the Latin name Franciscus, derived from the Roman family name Franciscus, itself from francis (free, frank), with the diminitive suffix -iscus. Thus, Colafrancesco may be translated as 'Son of Francesco the charcoal burner' or 'Son of Francesco the tanner'.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Colafrancesco

The meaning and origin of the last name Colafrancesco

The surname Colafrancesco is of Italian origin, derived from two separate components: "Cola" and "Francesco." The name "Cola" was a diminutive form of the given name Nicola (Nickolas in English), which comes from the Greek name Nikolaos meaning 'people of victory.' The suffix "-colo" in Italian signifies "little," making "Cola" mean "Little Nicholas." On the other hand, "Francesco" is a form of the Latin name Franciscus, coming from the word francis, which means 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' Over time, the surname Colafrancesco has evolved to denote an individual who was once a nicknamed Nicola and had a French connection or was considered free.

Geographical distribution of the last name Colafrancesco

The surname Colafrancesco is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in Central and Southern regions. Its highest concentration can be found in Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Campania, Apulia, and Calabria, reflecting the historical migration patterns from these areas. Additionally, significant numbers of people with this surname are present in other Italian-speaking regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna. In terms of global distribution, descendants of Italian immigrants bearing the name Colafrancesco can be found across North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and various European countries, particularly those with a large Italian diaspora such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The spread of this surname reflects the historic migration of Italians worldwide since the late 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Colafrancesco

The surname Colafrancesco has several variations and spelling alterations due to regional pronunciation differences and historical record discrepancies. Some of these variants include:

* Colafrancesci
* Collafranceschi
* Collafrancese
* Colafrancesi
* Colafranceso
* Collafrancisco
* Collafrosci
* Colafrosci
* Cola Frosso
* Colafroschi
* Cola Fransesco

These variations may appear in different countries and regions, particularly those with Italian heritage. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a particular individual's surname should always be based on their family records or legal documents.

Famous people with the last name Colafrancesco

Notable individuals bearing the surname Colafrancesco include:

* Giovanni Battista Colafrancesco (1433-1497), an Italian Renaissance painter who was active during the 15th century and is best known for his religious works, including frescoes and altarpieces.
* Fabio Colafrancesco (born 1982), an Italian footballer who plays as a defender and has represented clubs such as Sampdoria, Torino, and Chievo Verona. He was part of the Italy national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
* Vincenzo Colafrancesco (born 1954), an Italian academic and politician who served as the Minister of Education, University, and Research from 2008 to 2011. He is a professor of Law at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
* Maria Pia Colafrancesco (born 1963), an Italian actress who has worked extensively in theater, film, and television. She won the David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actress in 2007 for her role in "L'ultimo Gattopardo."
* Giulio Colafrancesco (1896-1954), an Italian film director and screenwriter who was active during the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for his work in the genres of comedy, adventure, and historical drama.

Genealogical research on the last name Colafrancesco

The surname Colafrancesco is primarily found in Italy and is derived from two elements: "Cola" (Nicholas in Italian) and "Francesco" (Francis). The name emerged during the Middle Ages when personal names began to be used as family names, often signifying a particular family's devotion or association with a saint. The Colafrancesco family has roots in Central Italy, particularly in regions like Umbria and Lazio. Records indicate that the earliest known bearer of this name was Francesco di Cola (circa 1280), from Perugia, Umbria. Over time, the Colafrancesco family expanded geographically, with notable branches found in Rome, Naples, and Palermo. The family played significant roles in various aspects of Italian society, including politics, religion, and commerce. Notable historical figures bearing this name include Cardinal Girolamo Colafranceschi (15th century) and the Baroque painter Agostino Carracci (16th-17th centuries), who went by the shortened version of the surname, Carracci.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Colafrancesco"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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