Last Name Sofo

The last name "Sofo" is of Italian origin. It is a common surname in southern Italy, particularly in the region of Calabria. The name "Sofo" is likely derived from a personal or occupational name, but its exact meaning or origin is not definitively known. Many Italian surnames are based on geographical locations, occupations, or personal characteristics, so it is possible that the name "Sofo" could have originated from any of these sources.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sofo

The meaning and origin of the last name Sofo

The surname Sofo is of Italian origin and is believed to be derived from the Italian word "soffo," meaning "breeze" or "blow." It is believed that this surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who had a breezy or carefree personality. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a bellows maker or a fan bearer. The Sofo surname is predominantly found in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sicily. As with many Italian surnames, the origins of the Sofo surname can often be traced back to specific villages or towns where the family may have originated. Today, individuals with the surname Sofo can be found in various parts of the world, as Italian immigrants have spread their heritage to countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sofo

The last name Sofo is primarily found in Italy, with a concentration in the southern regions such as Sicily and Calabria. It is also present in other parts of Italy, particularly in the central and northern regions. The name Sofo is of Greek origin, deriving from the ancient Greek word for wisdom, "Sophos." Due to Italy's historical and cultural connections with Greece, it is not uncommon to find Greek surnames like Sofo among Italian families. In recent years, some individuals with the last name Sofo have also migrated to other countries, such as Australia, the United States, and Canada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Sofo reflects both its Italian roots and its connections to Greek heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sofo

The last name Sofo may also be spelled as Soffo, Soffi, Soffe, Soff, Sof, or Souffo. These variations may arise from different pronunciations or transliterations of the name from its original language. Sofo is a relatively uncommon surname that is most commonly found in Italy, particularly in the southern region of Calabria. The name likely has its origins in the region's dialects and may have evolved over time into multiple spellings. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Sofo remains a unique and distinct surname that carries with it the cultural heritage of the individuals who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Sofo

Some famous people with the last name Sofo include Italian-American playwright and actress Tina Sofo. She is known for her work on stage and screen, including performances in "A View from the Bridge" and "The Sopranos." Another notable individual with the last name Sofo is Australian comedian and radio personality Anthony Sofo. He is known for his sharp wit and humor, and has appeared on various TV shows and radio programs. Additionally, Italian politician and academic, Monica Sofo, has made a name for herself in the political arena and is known for her strong advocacy for education and women's rights. These individuals with the last name Sofo have all made significant contributions in their respective fields and continue to be recognized for their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Sofo

The surname Sofo is of Italian origin and is thought to have derived from the word "suffe", meaning spherical or chubby. It is believed to have originated in the southern region of Italy, specifically in the Calabria and Sicily regions. The name Sofo may have been a nickname given to someone with a round or chubby face or body shape. Variations of the surname include Sofi, Sofoi, and Soffe. Genealogical research on the Sofo surname may reveal a history of individuals living in small villages or towns in Italy, possibly working as farmers or laborers. Migration patterns may show movements within Italy or to other countries, such as the United States, Australia, or Argentina, possibly driven by economic opportunities or family connections. Modern descendants of the Sofo name may still be found in Italy or in various parts of the world where Italian immigrants settled.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sofo"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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