The surname Goffredi is derived from the given name Godefredo, which is an Italian variant of Godfrey. This name is composed of the Old German elements "gott" meaning god and "frid" meaning peace. The Norman conquest of England in the 11th century led to the introduction of the name to England, where it was later anglicized as Godfrey or Goffrey. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe, including Italy, where it evolved into Goffredi as a surname.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Goffredi
The surname Goffredi is an Italian variant of the given name Godfredo, which derives from Old High German "Gotfrid" or Old Norse "Goðfrēdr". The name consists of the elements 'God' (meaning 'god') and 'frid' (meaning 'peace'). It is believed to have been introduced into Italy by the Lombards, a Germanic tribe that invaded Italy in the 6th century. Over time, the surname has evolved through various spellings including Goffredo, Goffredi, and Goffredini, reflecting regional variations and changes in transcription over the centuries. The name is relatively rare but is most prevalent in central and northern Italy.
Geographical distribution of the last name Goffredi
The surname Goffredi, which originates from the given name Gisfredo (a variant of Geoffrey), is predominantly found in Italy. In particular, it is most common in regions such as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, where it has been carried by families for centuries. Historically, many bearers of this surname can be traced back to the medieval era when Italian feudalism was prominent. Over time, members of the Goffredi family expanded across Italy and even immigrated to other countries such as France, Switzerland, and the United States, where smaller populations still carry the name today. The distribution of the surname Goffredi is predominantly centered in Italy, but it also has a noticeable presence in various Italian diaspora communities around the world.
Variants and spellings of the last name Goffredi
The last name Goffredi has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some of these variations include: Goffridi, Gofridi, Goffredo, Goffredi, Gofferdy, Gofredi, and Goffardi. These variations may appear in different countries and regions, reflecting local dialects or historical spelling conventions. The name is derived from the Old High German "Gotefrid" or "Godfrid", meaning "god peace". In Italian, it is often written as Goffredo, which is the more common form used in Italy. In English-speaking countries, variations such as Goffredi and Goffridi are also found. These spelling differences do not significantly alter the pronunciation or meaning of the surname.
Famous people with the last name Goffredi
Notable individuals with the surname Goffredi include:
1. Giuseppe Goffredo Zarlino (1516-1590), an Italian theorist, composer, and music teacher who made significant contributions to Renaissance music theory.
2. Alessandro Goffredo (born 1974), an Italian professional footballer who played as a defender for various clubs throughout his career.
3. Silvio Goffredo (1889-1965), an Italian architect known for designing the "Razza d'Italia" racetrack in Monza, Italy.
4. Franco Goffredo (born 1937), an Italian politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and the European Parliament.
5. Pietro Goffredo (1910-2006), an Italian architect and urban planner, best known for his work on the reconstruction of Naples after World War II.
6. Luca Goffredo (born 1987), an Italian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie C club Pro Vercelli.
Genealogical research on the last name Goffredi
The surname Goffredi originates from Italy and is a variation of the given name Goffredo, which is derived from the Germanic elements "goth" meaning "stranger" or "guest" and "fred" meaning "peace." The name was first recorded in Italy during the Middle Ages and was often borne by members of the nobility. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Goffredi can be found in the records of the Duchy of Milan, where a certain Goffredo di Lodi is mentioned in 1247. The family later branched out and established themselves in various regions of Italy, including Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Notable figures with the surname Goffredi include the Italian painter Giovanni Paolo Goffredo Lomazzo (1538-1604) and the Italian composer Giuseppe Goffredo Barbieri (1792-1835). The name is still common in Italy today.
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