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Last Name Refalo

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What is the origin of the last name Refalo?

The surname Refalo is of Maltese origin. It is a common surname in Malta, and it is derived from the Arabic word "Rafa", which means "to exalt" or "to elevate". Over time, the surname may have evolved from "Rafa" to Refalo.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Refalo

The surname Refalo is of Maltese origin, derived from the Arabic word "Rifa'i" meaning "to do good deeds" or "to show kindness". The name is most commonly found in Malta, where it is believed to have been introduced during the Arab rule of the island. The Refalo family has a long and storied history in Malta, with members who have held positions of power and influence in various sectors of society. Today, individuals with the surname Refalo can be found around the world, often still maintaining strong ties to their Maltese heritage. The name carries a sense of honor, kindness, and generosity, reflecting the values of the Arabic root from which it is derived.

Geographical distribution of the last name Refalo

The last name Refalo is most commonly found in the Mediterranean region, particularly in the island country of Malta. This surname is of Maltese origin and is believed to have originated from the town of Rabat in Malta. In addition to Malta, the name Refalo can also be found among Maltese communities in countries such as Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Due to Malta's historical connections with various Mediterranean countries, it is not uncommon to find individuals with the last name Refalo in other parts of the region as well. The surname may have variations in spelling or pronunciation depending on the specific region or dialect, but its Maltese roots remain a common thread among those who bear the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Refalo

The last name "Refalo" can also be spelled as "Reffalo" or "Rephalo." Other variations of the surname include "Rifalo" and "Rafelo." Additionally, the name may be spelled with an extra "e" as "Refaloe" or with a different vowel substitution such as "Rafalo" or "Rofalo." In some cases, the name may be hyphenated as "Re-Falo" or combined with another surname as in "Del Refalo." Regional dialects or accents may also influence the pronunciation and spelling of the last name, resulting in variations like "Rephalou" or "Refalow." Overall, the variations in spelling of the last name "Refalo" highlight the diverse ways in which families have adopted and adapted the name over time.

Famous people with the last name Refalo

There are a few famous people with the last name Refalo, such as Joseph Refalo, a Maltese politician who served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in the 1960s. Another notable figure is Mauro Refalo, an Italian cyclist who competed in the 1980s and 1990s.

Additionally, there is also Victor Refalo, a Maltese footballer who played for various clubs in Malta and abroad during the 1970s and 1980s. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have helped put the Refalo name on the map. Their achievements and successes have inspired others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Genealogical research on the last name Refalo

The last name Refalo is of Maltese origin, with the earliest known records tracing back to the 15th century in Malta. The name is believed to have originated from the Italian word "rifallo," meaning to refute or deny. The Refalo family has a long history in Malta, with members holding prominent positions in society and contributing to various fields such as politics, academia, and business. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other countries, particularly in regions with a significant Maltese diaspora, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Refalo surname has revealed connections to other Maltese families, as well as branches of the family tree that have emigrated and established new roots in different countries. Today, individuals with the last name Refalo can be found across the globe, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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