NomOrigine Background

Last Name Tofi

What is the origin of the last name Tofi?

The surname Tofi is of Italian origin and is derived from various sources. It may have originated as a nickname for someone who was "round" or "plump," derived from the Italian word "toffo." Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a stone quarry, as "tofo" in Old Italian meant "stone." Another possibility is that it is a diminutive of the personal name Tommaso. However, without specific context or historical records, the exact origin of a particular instance of the surname Tofi can be difficult to determine with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tofi

The meaning and origin of the last name Tofi

The surname Tofi is primarily of Italian origin, derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the nickname "Tofa," which was given to someone with a round or plump face. Another theory suggests that it could be a regional variation of the name "Tufa," which refers to a type of rock. In some cases, the name may also be a diminutive form of the given name Tommaso or Toffolo, meaning 'little Thomas.' The surname Tofi is relatively uncommon and has dispersed from Italy to other parts of the world due to migration, particularly in recent centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tofi

The surname Tofi is primarily distributed across Italy, particularly in the regions of Sardinia and Lazio. In Sardinia, it is most common in the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra, reflecting its historical roots on the island. In Lazio, the highest concentrations are found in the province of Rome. Beyond Italy, there are also significant populations with the surname Tofi in Brazil, where Italian immigration played a substantial role in the country's development during the 20th century. Smaller communities can be found in countries like the United States, Argentina, and Switzerland, owing to further waves of migration from Italy. The surname Tofi is relatively uncommon outside these regions, indicating its geographical concentration in Italy and areas with significant Italian diaspora populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tofi

The surname Tofi possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and translation. Some common variations of the name include Toifi, Tofii, and Toffi. These alterations may be found among individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, as the name has origins in multiple cultures. In Italian, the surname Tofi is derived from the word "tofo," meaning a type of shellfish or mollusk, which could suggest a possible occupational origin for some families bearing this name. Additionally, it is also found in Romanian and Albanian communities, where it may have different meanings and histories. Despite these variations, the core spelling of Tofi remains the most common form of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Tofi

Notable individuals with the surname Tofi include:

1. Giacomo Tofani (born 1972), an Italian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Inter Milan and Fiorentina.

2. Marco Tofoli (1936-2014), an Italian operatic tenor, particularly known for his performances in the works of Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi.

3. Francesco Tofi (born 1978), an Italian scientist specializing in condensed matter physics and complex systems. He has worked on various projects related to quantum computing.

4. Silvia Tofani (born 1960), an Italian political scientist, currently the president of the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning sports, music, science, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Tofi

The surname Tofi is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Tuscany. It is derived from the occupational name "Toffa" or "Toffolo," which referred to a leather worker who specialized in making or selling small leather bags known as "tuffia." The name may also be a variant of the surname Toffoli, which originated from the medieval given name Tufalo, meaning "strong as a bear" in Old High German. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved due to regional dialects and record keeping inconsistencies, leading to variations such as Toffa, Tofani, and Tofano. Notable individuals with the surname Tofi include Italian footballer Giorgio Tofi and Italian painter Francesco Tofi. The family is believed to have originated from the city of Florence, where many members still reside today.

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 : 31 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

Tofail (Last name)

surnames > tofail

The last name "Tofail" is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "tifl" meaning "child" or "youngster".

Tofajal (Last name)

surnames > tofajal

The last name Tofajal is of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "tof," meaning "cannon," and the suffix "-jal," which is a common suffix in Persian names. Therefore...

Tofayel ahmmed (Last name)

surnames > tofayel-ahmmed

The last name "Tofayel Ahmed" is of Bengali origin. It is a combination of the name "Tofayel" and the surname "Ahmed," which is a common Muslim surname in Bangladesh. Ahmed is deri...

Tofazzaj (Last name)

surnames > tofazzaj

The origin of the last name Tofazzaj is not clear or widely known.

Tofazzal hossain (Last name)

surnames > tofazzal-hossain

The last name "Hossain" is of Arabic origin and is commonly found in Muslim-majority countries and communities. It may also be of Persian or Central Asian descent. The name "Tofazz...

Tofazzalhoque (Last name)

surnames > tofazzalhoque

The last name Tofazzalhoque is of Bengali origin, deriving from the given name Tofazzal, which means "one who is superior in intellect and knowledge" in Arabic, combined with the s...

Tofeeq khan (Last name)

surnames > tofeeq-khan

The origin of the last name Khan is believed to be of Central Asian descent, deriving from the title given to rulers and officials in the Mongol Empire. The name Tofeeq is of Arabi...

Tofeki (Last name)

surnames > tofeki

The last name "Tofeki" is of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "tofeki," meaning "standing upright."

Toffaha (Last name)

surnames > toffaha

The last name Toffaha originates from Arabic, specifically from the word "تفاحة" (toffaha) which means "apple" in English. It is believed to be a surname derived from a word r...

Toffan (Last name)

surnames > toffan

The last name "Toffan" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Tosso", which is a diminutive of the name "Antonio". The name "Toffan" may have originally been a...

Toffanetto (Last name)

surnames > toffanetto

The surname Toffanetto is of Italian origin. It is a variant of Toffano, which is derived from a professional occupation, specifically referring to someone who was a tanner (from t...

Toffek (Last name)

surnames > toffek

The last name "Toffek" does not have a widely known or documented origin. It is possible that it is a variation or combination of other surnames or has regional significance. Witho...

Toffic (Last name)

surnames > toffic

The surname Toffic is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "toffy" meaning tough or strong. It is believed to have originated as a descriptive surname for someone who...

Toffiq (Last name)

surnames > toffiq

The surname Toffiq is of Arabic origin, specifically derived from the given name Tawfiq, which means "success" or "good fortune" in Arabic.

Toffoli (Last name)

surnames > 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 ...