Last Name Kloufi

The origin of the surname Kloufi is unclear and may be difficult to trace due to variations in spelling and possible changes in pronunciation over time. However, it's believed that many surnames in Greece, including Kloufi, have roots in one of several sources: 1. Occupational names, which described a person's job or profession. 2. Patronymic names, which were derived from the father's name. 3. Topographical names, which referred to a place where the person lived. 4. Byname names, which were nicknames given to people due to their physical appearance, personality traits, or other distinctive characteristics. 5. Surnames adopted after conversion to Christianity. Without specific historical records, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origin of the surname Kloufi. For a more accurate analysis, it may be helpful to consult genealogical resources or experts in Greek surname origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kloufi

The meaning and origin of the last name Kloufi

The surname Kloufi, variantly spelled as Klofis or Kloffy, is of Greek origin. It is derived from the region of Epirus, specifically the town of Ioannina, located in northwest Greece. The name is thought to have been originally a geographical one, referring to someone who lived near a cliff or rocky area. The word "kloufi" in Greek means "cliff," thus the surname may have originated from a specific location where the first bearer of this name resided. Over time, as many Greeks emigrated, the name spread globally, and variations such as Klufis, Klofis, and Kloffy emerged due to phonetic changes during the migration process.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kloufi

The surname Kloufi is predominantly found in Greece, with a significant concentration in the region of Attica, particularly in Athens and its surrounding areas. This is likely due to its historical roots, as many Greeks share common ancestry or have migrated from these regions. Additionally, there are also smaller clusters of individuals with the Kloufi surname in other parts of Greece, such as Thessaly, Macedonia, and Epirus. Beyond Greece, there are also pockets of Kloufi descendants in countries with substantial Greek diaspora communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The global distribution of the Kloufi surname is primarily centered around these areas, reflecting its Greek origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kloufi

The last name Kloufi has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include: Cloufi, Cluifi, Klofi, Klowfi, Kleufi, Kluefi, and Klufi. These variations may arise from regional dialects, historical documents, or immigration records, reflecting the name's diverse origins. It is important to note that while these spelling variations exist, the original pronunciation of the name remains the same. The root of the last name is likely Greek, with potential connections to the region of Crete and its Phoenician, Arabic, or Turkish influences.

Famous people with the last name Kloufi

The Kloufi family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is George Kloufas (born 1948), an American economist and academic. He is the Robert E. Kahn University Professor Emeritus at Brown University, where he served as the dean of the Graduate School and professor of economics from 2002 to 2015. In Greece, Panagiotis Klouftas (born 1984), a professional basketball player, has gained significant recognition. He currently plays for Olympiacos B.C. in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. Lastly, Maria Klonari-Kloufi (1920–2007) was a renowned classical archaeologist and numismatist. She served as the Director of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion from 1968 to 1985 and made significant contributions to the understanding of Minoan civilization through her research on Cretan seals.

Genealogical research on the last name Kloufi

The Kloufi surname is predominantly of Greek origin and is believed to have roots in the Peloponnese region, specifically in the areas of Messenia and Arcadia. One theory suggests that the name could be derived from the Greek word "klois" meaning "enclosure" or "fortified place." The Kloufi family may have originated from a small village or fortress in these regions. Migration records show that several individuals with the surname Kloufi emigrated to the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries, settling primarily in New York and Pennsylvania. Notable figures with this last name include Antonios Klouftis, a Greek revolutionary who fought against Ottoman rule in the 1820s, and George Kloufis, an American businessman and philanthropist. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the history and origins of the Kloufi family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kloufi"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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