The surname Zuffo is of Italian origin. It is derived from a variety of given names that were popular in Italy during the Middle Ages, such as Giuseppe (Joseph) or Zuane (John). The suffix "-o" indicates that it was originally a patronymic name, meaning "son of Zuane." Patronymic names are a common feature in many European cultures and often serve to identify individuals within families. Over time, these names have evolved and been passed down through generations, leading to the surname Zuffo as we know it today.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Zuffo
The meaning and origin of the last name Zuffo
The surname Zuffo is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Zuffo, a diminutive form of Zaccaria or Zaccarino, which are variations of the Hebrew name Zacharias. This name means "God remembers" in Hebrew. The surname Zuffo first appeared in the Middle Ages, during the expansion of the Republic of Genoa and other Italian city-states. It is most common in northern Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lombardy, and Veneto. Over time, variations of the surname have emerged due to changes in spelling and pronunciation, including Zoffo, Zuffolo, Zuffi, and others.
Geographical distribution of the last name Zuffo
The surname Zuffo is primarily found in Italy, with a significant concentration in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. In Emilia-Romagna, it is most common in the provinces of Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, and Bologna. In Lombardy, it is particularly prevalent in the provinces of Milan and Brescia. The name also has a presence in other Italian regions such as Tuscany, Veneto, and Umbria. Beyond Italy, there are smaller communities of individuals bearing the surname Zuffo in countries with large Italian diasporas, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.
Variants and spellings of the last name Zuffo
The surname Zuffo has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription, and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include Zuffi, Zuffo-Zuffi, Zoffo, Zuffi, and Zufi. Additionally, there might be slight changes in spelling based on the country or language context, such as Italian-American families possibly adopting slightly anglicized versions like Zuffo-Zeffo or Zoffo-Zaffo. It's important to note that these variations can stem from historical factors such as migration, assimilation, and phonetic shifts over time. Researching family history may help identify the specific variation that originated with one's ancestors.
Famous people with the last name Zuffo
Notable individuals with the surname Zuffo include:
1. Giuseppe Zuffo (born 1967), an Italian conductor and composer known for his work with orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, London, and the Munich Philharmonic.
2. Fabio Zuffo (born 1980), an Italian footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Udinese Calcio, Brescia Calcio, and AC Milan.
3. Stefano Zuffo (born 1965), an Italian actor best known for his roles in the television series "Don Matteo" and "Il Commissario Rex."
4. Silvia Zuffo (born 1982), an Italian judoka who won a bronze medal at the 2007 World Judo Championships.
5. Luca Zuffo (born 1996), an Italian professional racing cyclist currently competing for the Team Qhubeka-NextHash cycling team.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, and acting, showcasing the versatility and talent within the Zuffo family name.
Genealogical research on the last name Zuffo
The Zuffo surname is believed to have Italian origins, specifically from regions such as Piedmont and Lombardy. Historical records suggest that it could be derived from various sources, including occupations like "zufo," meaning cobbler, or geographical locations. Some early notable bearers of this name include the Zuffo family from Milan, who were prominent during the 14th century. Moving forward to modern times, the Zuffo surname is widely distributed across Italy and other countries due to migration. In North America, for example, significant populations can be found in Canada and the United States, primarily concentrated in Ontario, Quebec, and New York. The Zuffo family tree has evolved over centuries, with branches expanding across various continents, creating a rich and diverse genealogy.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The surname "Zufer" is of Turkish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Turkish word "züfer" meaning "abundance" or "plenty". It is likely a surname that originated from a...
The last name Zufferey is of Swiss origin. It is a surname common in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Valais. The name likely derives from a...
The surname Zuffi is of Italian origin. It is a patronymic derived from the male given name "Zufo," a diminutive form of the name Giuseppe (Joseph) or Francesco (Francis). The name...
The last name Zufi is of Albanian origin. It is derived from the Albanian word "zuzi," which means "hare" or "rabbit." The name is likely to have been a nickname or descriptive ter...
