The surname Scarfo, which is an Italian and Sicilian patronymic, derives from a medieval occupational name for a butcher or a nickname for someone with a scarred face. The word "scarfo" in Italian means "leech," and it was used as a metaphorical term for a butcher due to the resemblance of the butcher's tools, such as cleavers and knives, to leeches. Additionally, in some parts of Sicily, the name Scarfo could also be an occupational name for a shoemaker or a nickname for someone with a deformed foot, as "scarfo" can mean "clumsy" or "awkward." It's worth noting that the surname has been associated with notable Italian-American organized crime figures like Nicodemo "Scarface" Scarfo and his family.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Scarfo
The meaning and origin of the last name Scarfo
The surname Scarfo, primarily Italian in origin, is derived from the occupational name "scalco," which refers to a steward or bailiff. The term "scalco" evolved into "scarlato" or "scarlo," meaning red in some regional dialects, and eventually morphed into "Scarfo." This surname could have also been given as a nickname for someone who wore red clothing, indicating status or profession.
The Scarfo family is particularly notable within organized crime circles in the United States. Most notably, Nicodemo "Little Scotti" Scarfo was a powerful Philadelphia mob boss from the 1980s. His criminal activities contributed to the family's notoriety on a global scale. Despite this association, it is important to note that many people with the surname Scarfo are law-abiding citizens and are not connected to organized crime.
Geographical distribution of the last name Scarfo
The surname Scarfo is primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Campania. It originates from the medieval town of Scafati, located near Salerno in Campania. Over time, migrants bearing this name also settled in other parts of Italy and various countries due to immigration waves, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the Scarfo surname can be found in New Jersey, primarily in Camden and Philadelphia areas due to extensive Italian immigration in the early 20th century.
Variants and spellings of the last name Scarfo
The last name Scarfo can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some of these variations include:
1. Scafa - An Italian variant, derived from the occupational surname for someone who was a stonemason or builder.
2. Scharffo - A German variation with a different spelling of the root word "scharf," which means sharp in German.
3. Skarfo - A possible Scandinavian variant, though it's more commonly found as Skarff or Skarpa in those regions.
4. Scarffe - An English variation with an additional 'e' at the end, which could have been added due to phonetic spelling differences.
5. Scarfoe - Another English variation that adds an 'e' at the end, perhaps to follow common naming conventions in English.
Famous people with the last name Scarfo
The Scarfo family is notable for producing several figures in organized crime in the United States. Nicky Scarfo (1932-2017) was a high-ranking member of the Philadelphia mob, serving as boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1981 to 1987. During his tenure, he expanded the family's criminal activities nationwide and was known for his brutality and ruthless tactics. His brother, Johnny "Squi" Scarfo (1935-2019), also a mobster, served time in prison for multiple crimes, including racketeering and extortion. In popular culture, Nicky Scarfo is portrayed in the film "Goodfellas" by actor Paul Sorvino. Scarfo's son, Nicholas J. Scarfo Jr., also known as Little Nicky, is a former Philadelphia mobster who served time for various crimes before becoming an informant and cooperating with law enforcement against his family.
Genealogical research on the last name Scarfo
The Scarfo surname is of Italian origin, stemming from the Southern Italian region of Naples. The name is derived from the occupational title "schiavo," meaning slave or servant, often given to those who served as laborers or soldiers in feudal times. Over the centuries, it evolved into the modern form of Scarfo.
Notable figures with the Scarfo surname include Nicodemo "Little Scarface" Scarfo, a notorious American mobster and head of the Philadelphia crime family during the late 20th century, and Sal Scarfo, another high-ranking member of the same organization. The Scarfo family has been prominently featured in several criminal investigations, trials, and documentaries related to organized crime activities in the United States.
The Scarfo lineage can also be traced back to other parts of Europe, such as Sicily, where many immigrants bearing the name left for America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in search of better opportunities. The Scarfo family continues to be widely represented in the United States today.
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