Surname Onofrio - Meaning and Origin

Onofrio: What does the surname Onofrio mean?

Onofrio is an Italian surname, primarily used in Southern Italy. The name is derived from the medieval personal name Onofrio, which comes from the Greek name "Onouphrios." The first element is assumed to be "onos" which translates to 'ass, donkey' while the second part is "pherein," meaning 'to carry.' Thus, the whole literal meaning might be 'he who carries the donkey,' although it is also interpreted metaphorically as someone who is humble and patient in bearing burdens. Note that names in ancient cultures often had symbolic meanings rather than literal ones. Also, St. Onuphrius was an Egyptian hermit saint, popular in southern Italy, which could have influenced the popularity of the name. However, this doesn't describe the characteristics of those carrying the name today since names are often passed down generations without consideration of their original meanings.

Onofrio: Where does the name Onofrio come from?

The surname Onofrio has its origins from Italy, more specifically from Southern Italy. It is derived from the personal name "Onofrio" which in turn originates from the Greek name "Onouphrios", meaning "he who is good". Over time, this personal name evolved into a family name. Often surnames starting with "Di" followed by a personal name indicated "son of", and it’s probable that Di Onofrio came from "son of Onofrio".

Today, the surname Onofrio is most commonly found in Italy itself, particularly in regions of Campania, Sicily, and Lazio. It is also fairly common amongst Italian immigrant populations around the world, specifically in countries such as the United States and Argentina. Since there are a considerable number of people of Italian descent in these countries, some individuals or families carry the Onofrio surname. Whether in Italy or abroad, the surname is often used in its original form, although occasional spelling variations may occur.

Variations of the surname Onofrio

The surname Onofrio is primarily of Italian origin and has various spellings and variants. These include Onfrio, D’Onofrio, Di Onofrio, Onufrio, Ognibene, d’Onofrio, Donofrio, and Onoprienko. It is derived from the first name Onofrio, which has its roots in the Greek name Ὀνούφριος (Onouphrios), meaning "he who is good" or "he who brings joy".

The first name Onofrio was often given to infants with the hopes that they would lead good, joy-filled lives. As a surname, it was likely adopted by the family or descendants of someone named Onofrio, following common naming conventions in Italy where surnames were based on a patriarch’s first name.

People with this surname may share common ancestry, however, the variations in spelling could have been introduced for a variety of reasons including regional dialect differences, transcription errors in historical documents, or an intentional change by family members to adjust to a new linguistic or cultural environment.

Famous people with the surname Onofrio include American actor Vincent D'Onofrio. In spite of the variations that may exist, the surname Onofrio maintains lasting ties to its Italian roots and the cultural heritage of its bearers.

Famous people with the name Onofrio

• Vincent D'Onofrio: An American actor, producer, and director best known for his roles such as Det. Robert Goren in the TV series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in "Daredevil".
• Elizabeth D'Onofrio: An American actress, acting coach, and casting director. She is also the sister of Vincent D'Onofrio.
• Gérard D'Onofrio: A French professional football player and coach, known for his time spent with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
• Lillo D'Onofrio: An Italian footballer who played as a midfielder for several big-name Italian clubs, including Napoli and Bari, during the 1980s and 1990s.
• Leila D'Onofrio: An Australian writer and poet, who is known for her work in biographical fiction and essays.
• Richard D'Onofrio: A professional Canadian football player, known for his time with the Ottawa Rough Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. Please note that some of the people listed might not be widely known, as there aren't always many famous people with the same surname.

Other surnames

Onofre