Find out how popular the last name Zaffino is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Zaffino.

Zaffino, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Zaffino surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Zaffino in America

Zaffino is the 50106th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Zaffino surname appeared 418 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Zaffino.

We can also compare 2010 data for Zaffino to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Zaffino

The surname Zaffino originates from Italy, specifically from the southern regions such as Calabria. The earliest records suggest the name began to emerge around the 15th century. The surname likely derives from the Italian word “zaffiro,” which translates to “sapphire” in English, indicating a possible connection to someone who worked with this gemstone or possessed striking qualities compared to the precious stone.

During this period, southern Italy experienced influences from various cultures, including Greek, Norman, and Spanish, which could have contributed to the evolution of this surname. Calabria was particularly noted for its unique dialects and linguistic adaptations, resulting in names that often carried regional specifics.

The name Zaffino first appeared in written records in the 16th century. One early reference can be found in a baptismal register from 1572 in the town of Rizziconi in Calabria, where a Giovanni Zaffino is listed. This indicates the presence and establishment of the Zaffino family in the area during this time.

Another notable historical figure bearing this surname is Lorenzo Zaffino, born in 1625 and known for his contributions to regional agricultural practices in Calabria. His methods were documented in various local manuscripts, preserving his legacy in agricultural improvements.

In the realm of art, Antonio Zaffino, who lived from 1740 to 1788, gained prominence. He was an accomplished sculptor whose works included several sculptures in local Calabrian churches. His craftsmanship demonstrated the blend of local and external influences in Calabrian art during the 18th century.

The surname also features in 19th-century emigration records. Enrico Zaffino, born in 1834, migrated to Argentina around 1860, as documented in the immigration logs in Buenos Aires. This migration reflects the broader trend of southern Italians seeking new opportunities in the Americas during the 19th century.

In the 20th century, Francesco Zaffino, born in 1905, became a notable figure for his participation in the Italian Resistance during World War II. His efforts contributed to the liberation of Italian territories from fascist control, and he is celebrated in local historical texts.

The name Zaffino remains a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of southern Italy. Its bearers have contributed in various fields, from agriculture and art to resistance efforts, making it a surname with significant historical resonance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Zaffino

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Zaffino.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Zaffino was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Zaffino has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Zaffino was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zaffino, please contact us.

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