Last Name Toffoli

The surname Toffoli is of Italian origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone who was skillful at making or selling small leather items, such as purses or belts, or possibly for someone who was a glazier, given that "toffo" in some regional dialects means a lump of molten glass used in stained-glass windows. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and the exact origin may vary based on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Toffoli

The meaning and origin of the last name Toffoli

The surname Toffoli is an Italian and Portuguese name derived from the occupational term "toffai" or "toffaio," which refers to a hat-maker. In Italian, the word "toffa" means hat, and "toffoli" may have originated as a nickname for someone who was skilled at making hats. The surname is most prevalent in Italy, but it can also be found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. Variations of the name include Toffaletti, Tofanelli, and Toffoletti. It became common during the Middle Ages when occupational surnames were adopted as a means to identify individuals within communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Toffoli

The surname Toffoli is predominantly of Italian origin and has a significant presence in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto. It is also common in other parts of Europe due to Italian migration. In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the surname Toffoli can be found along the East Coast, especially in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, which have a high Italian-American population. Additionally, the surname can also be found in Brazil, where it is believed to have been introduced during the Italian immigration wave in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is less common but can be found in other countries with a significant Italian diaspora such as Argentina, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Toffoli

The surname Toffoli is an Italian name that has several variants and spelling variations due to transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Toffoletti, Toffolon, Toffoli-Cusini, Tofolli, Toffel, Toffoleone, and de Toffoli. In French, it can be written as Du Toffoli or De Toffoli. Additionally, there may also be misspellings such as Toffolly, Toffolley, Toffle, and Toffolie. These variations reflect the name's Italian roots while accounting for differences in transcription and pronunciation in other languages.

Famous people with the last name Toffoli

Notable individuals with the surname Toffoli include:

1. Matteo Toffoli (born 1986), an Italian professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Brescia Calcio.
2. Drew Toffoli (born 1993), a Canadian ice hockey player who has played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams like Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders.
3. Filippo Toffoli (born 1968), an Italian politician, economist, and university professor, who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies from 2013 to 2018.
4. Luigi Toffoli (1913-1973), an Italian literary critic and poet known for his work on Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
5. Bruno Toffoli (born 1948), a mathematician who has made significant contributions to the fields of mathematical logic, computer science, and quantum physics.
6. Tiziana Toffoli (born 1970), an Italian operatic mezzo-soprano known for her roles in numerous international opera productions.

These individuals have achieved recognition in various fields such as sports, politics, academia, and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Toffoli

The surname Toffoli originates from Italy and is associated with various regions, primarily Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Veneto. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Tommaso or Tofolo, a diminutive of Thomas.

The earliest recorded instances of the Toffoli family date back to the 13th century in Italy. Notable members include Antonio Toffoli, an Italian cardinal and bishop during the Renaissance period, and Giorgio Toffoli, a renowned mathematician known for his work in algebraic geometry.

The family spread throughout Europe during the migration waves of the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant numbers settling in Switzerland, France, Belgium, and eventually the United States. In America, Toffolis can be found predominantly in states such as New York, California, and Florida.

Today, the Toffoli family maintains a strong presence in Italy and its diaspora, with various regional and cultural associations fostering connections among members across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "toffoli"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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