Farina
A surname from the Italian word for flour or meal, likely first applied to a miller, grain trader, or someone associated with flour production.
The #6,088 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 54,810 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Farina is the Italian word for flour or meal, ultimately from Latin farīna, "meal" or "flour," linked to far, "spelt" or "grain." As a surname, it most likely began as a name for someone who worked with grain or flour, such as a miller, baker, or merchant. In some cases it may also have started as a nickname for someone connected with flour or a white, powdery substance.
History
The name is well established in Italy and in Italian-speaking communities abroad. It also appears in other countries through migration, especially in the Americas. Because the word is common and transparent in Italian, the surname likely arose independently in more than one place.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The same Latin root behind Farina also gave English the word "farina" for finely milled cereal food.
From the historical record
“bluter* Vas et locam quo farina buletari debeL Laufeanc, Décréta pro ordL S. Bened.^ cap. ti. Et gastieax rastis buletéê , Si mengerent à grant foison.”
— Noms de famille normands