Garofalo
An Italian surname most likely linked to the word for a clove or clove pink, and by extension to a place, nickname, or house sign.
The #6,571 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 59,927 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Garofalo is an Italian surname built on garofalo, a form associated with the Italian word for a clove or clove pink. In surname use, such plant names often arose as descriptive nicknames, house-sign names, or references to a place called after the flower or spice. The ultimate word history is often traced back through Italian and related Romance forms to Latin influences connected with the aromatic spice clove.
History
The surname is strongly Italian in character and is found especially in southern and central Italian communities and in diaspora populations abroad. It is known from historical Italian usage and has remained recognizable in modern Italy and in emigrant communities in the Americas.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The surname is shared with the Italian Renaissance painter Benvenuto Garofalo, also known as Il Garofalo.