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Last Name Daffara

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What is the origin of the last name Daffara?

The surname Daffara is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Dafora or Davola located in the Marche region of Italy. In Italy, many surnames originated from the names of places where families lived or hailed from. Over time, these place names evolved into hereditary surnames as people moved to different regions and wanted a way to identify their origins. The surname Daffara is one such example.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Daffara

The surname Daffara is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Sicily. It is derived from a place name, indicating an individual who originally resided near or originated from a location named "Dafara" or a similar variation. In some cases, it could also be a nickname for someone with specific characteristics, such as having dark hair or being of a melancholic disposition, as the term "da-fara" in Sicilian dialect can mean "from the dark land" or "from the black earth." Over time, the spelling of the name has been subject to variations due to migration and transcription errors. The surname Daffara is now widely distributed globally, particularly in communities with a Sicilian heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Daffara

The surname Daffara is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Nigeria and Benin. It is derived from the Fon ethnic group in Benin, where it is a common patronymic name meaning "born to" or "son of" Dafa, a personal name. In Nigeria, the surname may also have Yoruba origins due to historical connections between the two regions. Additionally, smaller populations with the surname Daffara can be found in other African countries and diaspora communities, reflecting migration patterns over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Daffara

The surname Daffara can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include Dafara, Dafarra, Duffara, Daffarah, Dafarah, and Da Farra. These variations may arise from factors such as regional accents, migration, and changes in recording practices. It's essential to note that these differences do not significantly alter the pronunciation or meaning of the name, which originates from a place name or nickname of Italian origin, possibly derived from 'da Fara,' meaning 'from Fara.'

Famous people with the last name Daffara

The Daffara family is not as prominent as some other surnames in terms of worldwide recognition, but there are several notable individuals who bear this name. One of the most well-known is Yacouba Daffara, a Malian musician known for his mastery of the balafon, a West African xylophone. He has collaborated with various artists and has performed in numerous countries. Another significant figure is Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian author who was detained without charge by the U.S. government following the September 11 attacks. His memoir, Guantánamo Diary, detailing his experiences during imprisonment, gained international attention and was eventually published in 2015. Lastly, Alessandro D'Alessandro, an Italian singer-songwriter, is also notable under the stage name Tiziano Ferro. He has achieved commercial success with hit singles like "Perderò" and "Più di me," making him one of Italy's most popular contemporary artists.

Genealogical research on the last name Daffara

The surname Daffara is believed to have originated from Sicily, Italy. According to historical records, the name is a variant of Di Fraja or De Fragis, indicating someone from the place Fragina near Palermo. The family migrated to North Africa during the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th century and established themselves in Tunisia. Some members of the Daffara family later moved to Malta, where they became prominent landowners and nobles. In the 16th century, a branch of the family migrated to Greece, settling in the Ionian Islands under Venetian rule. The name has also been found among the Italian diaspora in various parts of the world due to migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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