Last Name Farina

The surname Farina has Italian origins. It is derived from the word "farina," which means flour or fine particles in Italian. Over the centuries, it likely originated as an occupational name for a miller or baker. However, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a flour mill or a descriptive name for someone with light, fluffy hair. The first recorded spelling of the surname Farina appears in Italy in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Farina

The meaning and origin of the last name Farina

The surname Farina is primarily of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "farina," meaning flour or meal. It is an occupational name for someone involved in the milling and selling of grain products, such as bakers or millers. In medieval times, many people took their professional names from their occupation, reflecting the nature of their work or trade. The spread of the surname Farina can be attributed to Italian and Spanish colonization, immigration, and cultural influence throughout history. Notable individuals with this surname include American actor Jim Farina and Italian Formula One racing driver Riccardo Patrese Farina.

Geographical distribution of the last name Farina

The surname Farina is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name found in Italy. Specifically, it is most common in the central regions, including Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany, where it has been traced back to various towns such as Bologna, Modena, and Florence. However, the distribution extends beyond these regions. The name can also be found among Italian communities in other parts of Europe, particularly in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Spain, due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, a significant number of individuals with the surname Farina can be found in South America, primarily in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries with large Italian diasporas. Finally, smaller populations of Farinas can be found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they represent the dispersal of the Italian community over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Farina

The surname Farina has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include: Farine, Farrina, Farraina, and Ferrara (which might be more properly considered a distinct surname due to its Italian noble lineage). Other less common but still recognizable variants are Pharina, Parrina, or Carinna, which may arise from phonetic adaptations of the original name over time. It is also possible for individuals to have slight misspellings or typos in their family name. For example, Faraina, Farrain, Farrana, or Farryna could all be alternative spellings of the surname Farina. The origin of this surname is Italian and likely derives from a geographical location or occupation involving flour or milling, as "farina" means flour in Italian.

Famous people with the last name Farina

The Farina surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. Dino Farina, an Italian racing driver and engineer, is remembered for his success in motorsports during the post-war era. He competed in Formula One and won the Italian Grand Prix twice in the 1950s. In the world of entertainment, Franco Farina, a Brazilian actor, gained international recognition through his roles in telenovelas such as "The Outsider" and "O Profeta." His acting career spanned over five decades. Another significant figure is Alessandro Farina, an Italian painter known for his expressive figurative works. His art has been exhibited worldwide, and he is considered one of the most important contemporary painters in Italy. These individuals serve as a testament to the diverse accomplishments and achievements of those with the surname Farina.

Genealogical research on the last name Farina

The surname Farina has its roots in Italy and is primarily concentrated in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Sicily. The name originated from the Latin word "farinum," meaning flour or mill. During the Middle Ages, it was common for occupations to serve as surnames, and Farina likely identified someone who worked at a mill, producing flour.

One notable figure bearing the Farina name is Giuseppe Farina, an Italian racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship in 1958. Additionally, Andrea Farina was a prominent botanist from Venice during the 16th century, best known for his work on the medicinal properties of plants.

The Farina family has also made significant contributions to various aspects of Italian society, including politics and the arts, with many individuals excelling in their respective fields throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Farina"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends