NomOrigine Background

Last Name Soffia

What is the origin of the last name Soffia?

The surname Soffia has Italian origins and is derived from the feminine form of the given name Soffio, which means "breath" or "wind." It may also have Jewish origins as a variation of Sofa (Hebrew for wisdom). The surname spread throughout Italy during the Middle Ages and was most commonly found in the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soffia

The meaning and origin of the last name Soffia

The surname Soffia is an Italian name derived from the feminine form of Sofia, which means 'wisdom' in Greek. This name was popularized by Saint Sophia, one of the Wisdom Saints in Christianity. The surname Soffia can be found predominantly among people of Italian descent, as well as in other parts of the world where Italians have migrated to. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in transliteration and transcription, such as Sofia, Soffio, and Sofiano. The name Soffia signifies a connection to Italian heritage or culture, and is shared by many individuals worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Soffia

The surname Soffia is predominantly Italian and Sicilian in origin, with a significant concentration in these regions. In Italy, it is most frequent in the south, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, as well as in some northern provinces like Milan, Bologna, and Turin. Additionally, the surname Soffia can also be found in other Italian-speaking countries such as Switzerland and Argentina due to historical migration patterns. Beyond Italy, there are notable occurrences of the surname Soffia in other European countries like France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, likely as a result of immigration from Italy. In North America, it is primarily concentrated in the United States and Canada, with large communities in states like New York, New Jersey, and California, and provinces like Ontario and Quebec. The distribution of the surname Soffia mirrors the history of Italian migration, reflecting its roots in Southern Italy while also demonstrating its global dispersion over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soffia

The surname Soffia has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Sofia, Soffey, Souffia, and Suffia. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors during record-keeping, or personal preference. In Italian, the name Soffia is a feminine form of the given name Soffio, which means breath or wind. It is most commonly found in Italian and Italian-American communities. However, as people migrated and their names were transcribed into other languages, variations such as Sofie (Dutch), Soufiya (Arabic), or Süffi (Hungarian) emerged. These variations maintain the original Italian name's essence but reflect the cultural context in which they are used.

Famous people with the last name Soffia

Sofia is an uncommon surname, but it has been associated with several notable figures. Notably, Sofia Coppola is an acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and producer. She is best known for her films such as "Lost in Translation," which earned her a Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Another significant figure with the surname Sofia is Sofia Vergara, a Colombian-American actress who gained prominence for her role in the TV series "Modern Family." She has been nominated for multiple Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards. Lastly, Sofia Loren, an Italian actress, is considered one of the most beautiful women ever and a film icon. Her illustrious career spans over six decades and includes numerous awards like an Academy Honorary Award, a BAFTA Fellowship, and a Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. These three women have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left lasting impacts on the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Soffia

The surname Soffia originates from Italy and is derived from the given name Sofia, which means wisdom in Greek. It has been recorded in various regions of Italy since the Middle Ages. One notable early bearer was Landolfo Soffia, who served as a knight during the Crusades in the 12th century. In terms of migration, many people with the surname Soffia emigrated from Italy to North and South America starting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to economic hardships and political instability. Some famous individuals with the Soffia surname include Italian-American singer Frankie Avalon and American actress Linda Soffia. Genealogical research suggests that the Soffia family has diverse origins within Italy, with branches found in regions such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Sof ali (Last name)

surnames > sof-ali

The last name "Sofali" appears to be of Arabic origin. It may be a variation of the surname "Sofia," which is derived from the Greek word "Sophia," meaning wisdom.

Sofaiq (Last name)

surnames > sofaiq

The last name "Sofaiq" is of Arabic origin.

Sofaiy (Last name)

surnames > sofaiy

The last name "Sofaiy" originated in Saudi Arabia. It is a common surname among the Arab population in the region.

Sofary (Last name)

surnames > sofary

The last name Sofary is of Arabic origin.

Sofeeulla (Last name)

surnames > sofeeulla

The last name "Sofeeulla" has its origins in the Arabic language. It is likely a variation of the name "Sufiullah," which is a common Arabic name meaning "follower of Allah" or "de...

Soffiantino (Last name)

surnames > soffiantino

The surname Soffiantino is believed to have Italian origins and comes from the occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker who blew air into his furnace (soffiare in Italian ...

Soffiatti (Last name)

surnames > soffiatti

The surname Soffiatti is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "soffiare," which means "to blow" or "breathe," and likely originated as an occupational surname for someone...

Sofhiannah (Last name)

surnames > sofhiannah

The surname "Sofhiannah" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common or well-documented surname.

Sofhiq (Last name)

surnames > sofhiq

The origin of the last name "Sofhiq" is unclear and may be of multiple cultural or linguistic backgrounds. It does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in Engli...

Sofhla (Last name)

surnames > sofhla

The last name "sofhla" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in the English language. It may be a rare or uncommon surname.

Sofi ullah (Last name)

surnames > sofi-ullah

The last name "Sofi Ullah" is of Afghan origin. It is derived from the Persian word "sofi", meaning a mystic or wise person, and the Arabic name "Ullah", meaning “God”.

Sofia najilah (Last name)

surnames > sofia-najilah

The last name "Sofia Najilah" appears to have Arabic origins. "Sofia" likely comes from the Greek name Sophia, meaning wisdom. "Najilah" may derive from the Arabic word "Najil," me...

Sofikitis (Last name)

surnames > sofikitis

The last name Sofikitis is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "sofikos," which means wise or intelligent. The suffix "-itis" is a common ending in Greek surnames an...

Sofikmahamood (Last name)

surnames > sofikmahamood

The last name "Sofikmahamood" appears to originate from India. It may be of Indian or Bangladesadian descent.

Sofikul islam (Last name)

surnames > sofikul-islam

The last name "Sofikul Islam" is of Bengali origin. It is a combination of the name "Sofikul" which may mean "man of wisdom" or "knowledgeable man" in Bengali, and the name "Islam"...