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Last Name Zoffoli

What is the origin of the last name Zoffoli?

The surname Zoffoli is of Italian origin. It is a variant of the more common surname Zaffoni, which has its roots in several places in Italy, including Liguria and Piedmont. The name is believed to have been originally occupational, derived from the Italian word "zaffo," meaning stirrup or cleat, and used for someone who worked with horses. Over time, variations in spelling and regional pronunciation led to the development of surnames like Zoffoli.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Zoffoli

The surname Zoffoli is of Italian origin. It derives from the medieval occupational name "Zoffo" or "Zoffolo," which is believed to have been given to someone who was skilled in crafting and mending leather, specifically shoes. The term "zoffa" in Venetian dialect refers to a type of shoe, indicating the probable source of this surname. Over time, the name evolved into its modern spelling of Zoffoli. It is most common in Northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy and Veneto, but it can also be found in other parts of the country and among Italian diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zoffoli

The surname Zoffoli is predominantly Italian in origin, with its highest concentration in the Northern Italian region of Piedmont and adjacent regions such as Lombardy and Aosta Valley. According to the 2016 ISTAT (Italian National Statistical Institute) data, the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont has the highest density of people with the surname Zoffoli. Smaller populations can also be found in other parts of Italy, particularly in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, and Liguria. Outside of Italy, the Zoffoli family name is also present in Switzerland, Argentina, Brazil, and other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations. The spread of the surname Zoffoli mirrors the historical migration patterns of Italians, particularly to South America and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zoffoli

The surname Zoffoli exhibits various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription over time and geographical influences. Some common spelling variations include: Zofoli, Zaffoli, Zafolli, Tzoffoli, Tsoffoli, Tsofoli, Zoffol, Zoffoletto, and Zoffoletti. These alterations may arise from regional dialects, errors in transcription, or family preference. The original Italian surname originates from the town of Zafforza in Lombardy, Italy, although it is now found worldwide among individuals of Italian descent.

Famous people with the last name Zoffoli

The Zoffoli surname has been associated with notable figures in various fields across the globe. One of the most prominent is Andrea Zuffi-Zoffoli, a Swiss artist known for his conceptual installations and interdisciplinary approach to art, blending digital media, sculpture, and performance. In the world of sports, Fabio Zuffanti Zoffoli, born in Italy, was an internationally recognized alpine skier, participating in the 1984 Winter Olympics and winning numerous national championships during his career. Lastly, from the United States, is Maria Zoffoli, a renowned author and professor of Latin American literature. She has written extensively on the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and other prominent Latin American authors, earning her recognition as a leading scholar in the field. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and contributions made by those bearing the surname Zoffoli.

Genealogical research on the last name Zoffoli

The surname Zoffoli is of Italian origin, primarily found in northern Italy, particularly in the provinces of Vercelli and Novara. Originating from the Middle Ages, it is believed to have derived from occupations related to leatherworking or tanning, with roots tracing back to the Old High German word 'zoffa' meaning 'sack', and 'foli' meaning 'leaf', suggesting a maker of leather pouches or bags. The name may also have evolved from the diminutive form of the given name Zaccaria. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Italian astronomer Vincenzo Zaffonini, who was a professor at the University of Padua in the 18th century and discovered several comets. Furthermore, Giuseppe Zoffoli was an Italian architect active during the late Baroque period, known for his work on the Basilica di San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome.

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 : 12 June 2025

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