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Last Name Difabio

What is the origin of the last name Difabio?

The surname Difabio is an Italian patronymic surname, derived from the given name "Domenico" (meaning "belonging to Domenico") or "Di Fabio," which translates to "son of Fabius." This surname is common in regions where Latin was spoken, particularly in Italy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Difabio

The meaning and origin of the last name Difabio

The surname Difabio is an Italian name, derived from the Latin "duo" (two) and "faber" (smith), meaning "two smiths" or "two blacksmiths." This name likely originated in Italy during medieval times when many people took on occupational names. The name can also be found as Di Fabio, De Fabio, Difabis, or Difabius. Its use signifies a lineage of individuals who were skilled blacksmiths, contributing to the family's identity and reputation in their communities. The name is common among Italian-speaking populations and its variant forms can be found throughout Italy, particularly in regions such as Campania, Lazio, and Abruzzo.

Geographical distribution of the last name Difabio

The surname Difabio is predominantly Italian in origin, with a significant concentration in regions such as Campania, Apulia, and Calabria. These areas have historically been strongholds for the name, reflecting their Italian ancestry. Outside Italy, the Difabio surname can also be found among the Italian diaspora, particularly in countries with large populations of Italian immigrants like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. In these countries, the distribution tends to mirror that of the Italian regions from which the immigrants originated. The name's presence is relatively sparse in other parts of the world, indicating a strong link to Italy and its diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Difabio

The surname Difabio has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common spelling variations include DiFabio, Di Fabio, DiFabo, Di Fabo, Difabo, D'Ifabio, and D'I Fabio. These variations arise from the use of different diacritics, capitalization styles, and the inclusion or omission of the apostrophe. The name originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian words "di" meaning "of" and "fabio," a given name or nickname based on Fabius, a Roman family name or praenomen.

Famous people with the last name Difabio

Notable individuals with the surname Difabio include:

1. Frankie D'Avalon (born Francis Joseph Difabio), an American actor and singer, known for films like "Beach Party" and "A Swingin' Summer."
2. Joe Difabio, a former American football player who played as a guard for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL).
3. Joey Difabbio, an American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his work with the band The Exies.
4. Michael Difabio, an American author best known for his crime novels set in Providence, Rhode Island.
5. Tony Difabio, a former Major League Baseball player who played as a pitcher for several teams including the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.
6. Vinny Difabio, an American musician who was the bassist of the band Rage Against the Machine from 1992 to 1997.

Genealogical research on the last name Difabio

The surname Difabio is primarily Italian, originating from the Southern regions, particularly Sicily and Calabria. It is derived from the personal name "Diego" or "Diotorio," which were common names during the Middle Ages. The suffix "-bio" was often added to personal names in Italian-speaking areas as a mark of respect or affection, indicating "son of."

Historically, notable figures with the surname Difabio include Giuseppe Difabio, an Italian conductor, and composer; and Salvatore Difabio, a politician who served as the Mayor of Palermo from 2008 to 2012. In North America, records show that the first known immigrant with the surname Difabio was Giuseppe Difabio, who arrived in New York City in 1876.

The Difabio family has also been significant in the Catholic Church, with many members serving as priests and nuns. The name is still common in Italy and is found among Italian-American communities worldwide.

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 : 27 July 2025

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