Last Name Froio

The surname "Froio" has Italian origins. It is a toponymic surname derived from places named "Froio" in various parts of Italy. These places are mostly located in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The name is thought to be connected with the word "frio", which means 'cold' or 'frozen' in Italian, referring to a place that was once cold or covered with snow, or it could also mean a 'narrow pass'. As with many surnames of this type, it was likely used as an identification marker for people who were originally from the same geographical area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Froio

The meaning and origin of the last name Froio

The surname Froio is of Italian origin, specifically from regions such as Calabria and Sicily. It is derived from the word "froio," which translates to "hatch" or "grating" in English. This surname likely originated from a professional occupation, where an individual worked with hatches or gratings, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a hatch or grating-covered opening, such as a well or cave. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved to include variations like Frigo, Frio, and Froi.

Geographical distribution of the last name Froio

The surname Froio is predominantly found in Portugal and some regions of Brazil. Historically, it originated in the Alentejo region of Portugal, specifically in the districts of Beja, Évora, and Setúbal. Over time, a significant number of Portuguese immigrants carrying this name migrated to Brazil during the 16th to 19th centuries, particularly to the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. Today, Froio is more widely distributed throughout Brazil, with higher concentrations in the southeastern part of the country reflecting its historical immigration pattern. It is less common in other regions globally but can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries due to further emigration from Portugal and Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Froio

The surname Froio has several variations and spellings. Some common alterations include Froi, Froyo, Frio, Frey, Freio, Froe, Froy, Fryo, and Frjo. These differences are often due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or simple spelling errors. Another factor that may influence the spelling of the name is the country of origin, as different countries have their own conventions for writing surnames. For instance, Italian-origin surnames may be written differently than those from Portugal or Spain. Regardless of the specific spelling, the Froio surname is generally believed to be of Italian origin and means "freezing" or "cold."

Famous people with the last name Froio

The Froio surname is relatively uncommon, but it has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Giuseppe Froio (b. 1948), an Italian economist and politician who served as President of the Senate from 2006 to 2008. In the world of music, there's Mauro Froio (b. 1957), a highly respected Italian pianist and composer, known for his interpretations of classical and contemporary music. In sports, Marco Froio (b. 1980) is an Italian footballer who has played for several professional teams in Italy and abroad. Lastly, in the literary world, there's Silvia Froio (b. 1962), an Argentine writer known for her short stories and essays. Despite their different paths, these individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and achievement potential of people with the last name Froio.

Genealogical research on the last name Froio

The surname Froio originates from Italy and is predominantly found in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. Historically, it is believed to have derived from various places like Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Serrata, or Casalbore in Calabria, where many bearers of this name resided. The Froio family can be traced back to the medieval period, with records of a 'Frigerius de Frigis' in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, including variations such as Frio, Frey, and Free. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Giuseppe Froio, an Italian politician who served as the President of the Autonomous Region of Calabria from 1980 to 1985. In contemporary times, research suggests a significant diaspora of the Froio family to countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, and the United States, where they have made notable contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Froio"
• 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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