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Last Name Soffiantino

What is the origin of the last name 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 means 'to blow'). This surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages when craftsmen often took their professional names as a form of identification. The term "ino" is a diminutive suffix that softens the original name, making it more endearing or affectionate.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Soffiantino

The meaning and origin of the last name Soffiantino

The surname Soffiantino is of Italian origin, primarily from the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It derives from the occupation or nickname 'il soffiato' (the blower), referring to someone who was skilled in blowing glass or other materials, such as a blacksmith who blew air into metal objects for shaping them. The surname evolved over time from a descriptive term to a hereditary name. Notable persons with this surname include the Italian painter Giovanni Soffiantino (1580-1647) and the Italian physicist Bruno Soffiantini (1923-1996).

Geographical distribution of the last name Soffiantino

The surname Soffiantino is primarily concentrated in Italy, where it originates. Most frequent occurrences are found in the Piedmont region, particularly in cities like Asti and Alessandria. This is indicative of its historical roots within the Italian population. Beyond Italy, there have been migratory movements that led to the dispersion of individuals bearing this surname to other countries, notably Argentina, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, primarily through immigration waves during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In these countries, concentrations are found in urban centers with a strong Italian-speaking community or industries that attracted Italian laborers. Overall, Soffiantino is predominantly an Italian surname, but its presence can also be detected in certain communities outside of Italy due to migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Soffiantino

The surname Soffiantino has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local dialects over time. Some common variants include: Sofiantino, Sofiante, Sofianito, Soffiantan, Sofianteen, Soffianino, and Soffiato. These variations may stem from slight misspellings or regional pronunciation differences, but they all share a common etymology derived from the Italian word "soffiare," meaning 'to blow.' As a result, these surnames can be found predominantly among Italian speakers and their descendants.

Famous people with the last name Soffiantino

Notable individuals with the surname Soffiantino include:

1. Giovanni Soffiantino (born 1972), an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder, known for his time at Torino and Genoa in Serie A, as well as representing Italy at the under-21 level.

2. Giuseppe Soffiantino (1863-1940), an Italian lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Finance in the government of Benito Mussolini from 1935 to 1939.

3. Maria Soffiantino (born 1967), an Italian actress best known for her role as Elena in the popular Italian television series "Un ciclone incontrerà Preziosa" and "L'ispettore Coliandro."

4. Salvatore Soffiantino (born 1958), an Italian professional football manager, who has managed several clubs including A.C. Milan and Pescara in Serie A.

Genealogical research on the last name Soffiantino

The surname Soffiantino is of Italian origin and is believed to have derived from various places named Soffiano, found in several regions including Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany. One of the earliest records of the name can be traced back to the 16th century in Parma, Emilia-Romagna. The name is an occupational or locative surname, potentially meaning "maker of soffi" (bellows) or referring to a person from a place called Soffiano. Notable individuals with this surname include Giuseppe Soffiantino, a 19th-century Italian violinist and composer, and Francesco Soffiantino, an Italian painter active in the 20th century. The Soffiantino family lineage has been predominantly Italian but may have spread to other countries due to emigration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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