Last Name Manfrino

Learn more about the origin of the last name Manfrino

The meaning and origin of the last name Manfrino

The surname Manfrino is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupational name "Manifredi," which was originally given to a person who was a supporter or associate of someone named Manfredo. Over time, the spelling evolved into its current form, Manfrino. It's important to note that surnames were often regional variants of each other within Italy due to linguistic differences and dialects. The name is relatively uncommon compared to more widespread Italian surnames, but it can be found predominantly in Central and Northern regions of Italy, such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. The popularity of the name Manfrino has spread worldwide due to Italian immigration patterns over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Manfrino

The surname Manfrino is predominantly found in Italy, with a significant concentration in the regions of Campania and Lazio. It has its roots in the city of Naples, where it is one of the most common surnames. Smaller clusters can also be found in other parts of southern Italy, such as Calabria and Puglia. The name Manfrino is believed to derive from the Italian word "manfredi," meaning "little warrior." Over time, Italian immigrants have carried this surname to various parts of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, the distribution of the name Manfrino is more dispersed and varies greatly depending on historical migration patterns and settlements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Manfrino

The surname Manfrino has several spelling variants, reflecting its Italian origin and potential changes over time due to regional dialects or family tradition. These variants include:

1. Manfrini - A common plural form used in some regions, especially when the surname is associated with more than one person from the same family.
2. Manfrino' - This version might indicate a diminutive or nickname form of the original surname.
3. Manfreno/Manfrene/Manfrén - These variants are found in regions where Italian dialects, like Venetian and Calabrian, have influenced the pronunciation and spelling of surnames.
4. Manfra/Manfroy/Manfrew - These spellings can appear in families that emigrated to English-speaking countries, where the surname was often anglicized or phonetically transcribed.
5. Manfrini de' Manfrini - A compound form that includes a preposition (de') to indicate a noble family, though it is not commonly used today.
6. Mancrino/Mancrén/Mancrina - These variants might result from spelling errors or dialectal influences in regions where the pronunciation of 'm' and 'n' can be interchangeable.
7. Manfrin, Manfroen, Manfreen - Shortened forms that reflect attempts to simplify the spelling of the surname.
8. Mannfredi/Mannfredino/Mannfreno - These versions might arise from misinterpretations or errors in transcribing the name when it was recorded during immigration or other official processes.

Famous people with the last name Manfrino

Notable individuals bearing the surname Manfrino include:

1. Salvatore Manfrino (born 1946), an American composer and conductor, known for his contributions to opera and symphonic music. He has worked with notable orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra.

2. Joseph V. Manfrino (1923-2017), a prominent American attorney who served as the President of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York from 1986 to 1987. He was also a member of the New York State Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

3. Anthony Manfrino (born 1952), an American film producer who has worked on various projects, including the Academy Award-winning film The Fugitive (1993). He is also known for his work in television, producing series like Cold Case and Life on Mars.

Genealogical research on the last name Manfrino

The surname Manfrino is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval occupational name "Manfrone," meaning a "man with a moustache." The first recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the mid-14th century in Northern Italy, specifically in the region of Lombardy. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to various factors such as regional dialects and migration patterns. Notable Manfrinos include Giuseppe Manfrinato, an Italian musician who played a significant role in the development of operatic music in Italy during the 18th century, and Salvatore Manfrino, an Italian-American physician who made significant contributions to the field of cancer research in the 20th century. The Manfrino family has also been traced back to several towns in Southern Italy, including Cosenza and Caserta, where they were originally peasants or artisans.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "manfrino"
• 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 : 15 June 2025