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Last Name Goffredo

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What is the origin of the last name Goffredo?

The surname Goffredo is an Italian name derived from the medieval given name Goffredo, which was a variant form of the Old High German name Godfred or Gothfried. This name was composed of the elements "Got" (God) and "frid" (peace), indicating a peace-bringer or peaceful ruler. The name became popular in Italy during the Middle Ages, particularly among the Lombard people, and was often Latinized as Godfredus or Godofredus. Over time, it evolved into the modern Italian surname Goffredo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goffredo

The meaning and origin of the last name Goffredo

The surname Goffredo is an Italian variant derived from the given name Gottfried, which means "God peace" in German. It is composed of two elements: 'Gott' (God) and 'Fried' (peace). The name Gottfried originated during the Middle Ages, particularly among the Germanic tribes, as a combination of religious and personal connotations, signifying a peaceful disposition bestowed by God. As people migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name emerged, including Goffredo in Italy. Over time, this surname has become widely distributed throughout Europe, reflecting the historical migrations and cultural exchanges that characterized the continent during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goffredo

The surname Goffredo is primarily found in Italy and has its origins from the Middle Ages. In present-day Italy, the highest concentrations are in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. This name is a variation of the given name "Gottfried," which means "God peace" in Germanic languages. The Italian form, Goffredo, gained popularity among the Lombard invasions of Italy during the early Middle Ages. Over time, Italian immigrants have also spread the name to other countries, particularly in Latin America and North America, with significant communities found in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goffredo

The surname Goffredo has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes in naming conventions. Some common variants include Goffredo, Goffredi, Goffredo, Goffredi, Goffredus, and Goffredi-Hamelin. In English, it can also be spelled as Godfrey or Godfredo. These variations stem from the Old German name Gotfrid, which is composed of the elements got (God) and frid (peace). The name was brought to Italy by the Normans in the Middle Ages and has been a common surname there since then.

Famous people with the last name Goffredo

Notable individuals with the surname Goffredo include:

1. Goffredo Petrassi (1904-2003), an Italian composer known for his operas and orchestral works, who was a prominent figure in modern Italian music.

2. Goffredo da Bussero (c. 1370 – c. 1448), an Italian painter from the early Renaissance period, recognized for his frescoes in churches throughout northern Italy.

3. Goffredo Mameli (1827-1849), an Italian poet who wrote the lyrics of the national anthem of Italy, "Fratelli d'Italia." He died at a young age during the Italian Wars of Independence.

4. Goffredo Cappa (1905-1967), an Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One and won the 1938 Belgian Grand Prix.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, art, and sports, making the surname Goffredo notable in Italian history.

Genealogical research on the last name Goffredo

The surname Goffredo originates from the medieval Germanic given name "Gottfried," which translates to "God peace." This name was popular among the Franks and spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, with various regional variations such as Godfred, Gotfrid, and Gottfrey. The Italian variation, Goffredo, is believed to have been introduced by the Normans who invaded Italy in the 11th century. Notable figures bearing this name include the medieval saint Wulfric of Haselbury, an Anglo-Saxon priest who converted to Christianity under Alfred the Great and became a patron saint of Somerset; and the Italian mathematician Federico Goffredo Carocci (1797-1864). The surname Goffredo is relatively uncommon today, with higher concentrations in Italy and certain areas of England.

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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