Last Name Zafe

The surname "Zafe" is of Arabic origin. It can come from several Arabic-speaking regions, including the Middle East and North Africa. This name may have spelling variants depending on the region in which it is used.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zafe

The meaning and origin of the last name Zafe

The name Zafe is of Arab origin and is believed to come from the word "safi", which means pure or clean in Arabic. It has been registered in different regions of the Arab world, especially in countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. It is a relatively uncommon surname, which might indicate that its carriers belong to a family with a specific background or have kept their lineage more closed. Arab surnames often refer to personal qualities, places of origin or professions, so it is possible that the Zafe family has been known for its moral purity, its physical cleansing or its dedication to activities related to cleaning. At present, the branches of the Zafe family may be scattered all over the world due to the Arab diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zafe

The name Zafe has a very concentrated geographical distribution in Spain, mainly in the region of Andalusia. Specifically, the provinces of Seville, Malaga and Cadiz are the areas where this surname has the most presence. Some families with this surname can also be found in other regions such as Extremadura, Madrid and Catalonia, although to a lesser extent. Outside Spain, the presence of the name Zafe is quite limited, although it can be found in some Latin American countries such as Mexico and Argentina, due to the migration of some Spanish families. In short, the name Zafe is most commonly found in southern Spain, with a small presence in other regions and in some Latin American countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zafe

The name Zafe can present different variations and graphs depending on the region or the language in which it is located. Some of the most common variants include Zafé, Zaffé, Zaféh, Safé, Saffe, Saféh, among others. These variations can be due to writing errors, linguistic evolution or adaptation to different dialects. The exact origin and meaning of the Zafe surname is unclear, but it is believed that it may have Arab or Hebrew roots. In any case, it is an uncommon surname that is mainly found in Spanish-speaking countries or with Arab influence. The different graphs and variations of this surname may make it difficult for your genealogical tracking, but they also make it unique and distinctive for those who carry it.

Famous people with the last name Zafe

No famous characters are known with the Zafe surname today, but let's imagine the Zafe family as a stretch of artists and visionaries. Carlos Zafe, renowned Spanish painter, is admired by its landscapes full of color and light. Her sister, Marta Zafe, is an outstanding ballet dancer who has captivated the public with her grace and impeccable technique. Finally, Juan Zafe is a successful film director who has been awarded multiple times for his unique and provocative style. The Zafe family has left an imprint in the world of art and culture, being recognized and respected in each of its disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Zafe

The genealogical research of the name Zafe reveals that it is of Greek origin and has a long history in the Mediterranean region. It is believed that the name Zafe comes from the Greek word "zafiros", which means sapphire, suggesting that the family might have had some connection with jewelry or mining in the past. The records indicate that the Zafe have been established in several regions of Greece over the centuries, and that some individuals migrated to other European countries and to America in search of new opportunities. The research also points out that the Zafe surname has experienced various orthographic variations over time, which can make it difficult for the precise traceability of the genealogical line.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zafe"
• 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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