Delfino is an Italian surname and given name that comes from the Italian word "delfino," which means "dolphin." The name has a long history in Italy and was originally used as a nickname for someone who had the agility or grace of a dolphin, or perhaps as an occupational name for a fisherman who worked with dolphins.
The surname Delfino is believed to have originated in the region of Sicily, although it can also be found in other parts of southern Italy. Some sources suggest that the name may have been brought to Italy by Norman settlers during the 11th century, while others believe it has a more ancient origin tied to local customs or traditions.
In some cases, the surname Delfino may have been adopted as an ornamental name, chosen for its appealing sound rather than any specific familial connection. However, many families with the surname Delfino can trace their lineage back several generations in Italy and have a strong sense of shared history and heritage.
Today, Delfino remains a popular given name in Italy and among Italian communities around the world. It is often used as a boy's name but can also be given to girls. Some famous people with the surname Delfino include the Italian soccer player Luigi Delfino and the American actor Vincent "Vinny" Guadagnino, whose mother has the maiden name Delfino.
Overall, the name Delfino carries with it a sense of pride in Italian heritage and a connection to the sea and its creatures. Whether used as a given name or surname, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking to honor their family's history and cultural roots.
The name Delfino has been given to a total of 2,339 babies born in the United States between 1913 and 2023, according to available records.
The popularity of the name varied greatly over the years. The highest number of births recorded was in 1977 with 31 newborns named Delfino. On the other hand, some years saw only a single birth with this name, such as in 1955, 2018, and 2022.
The decade with the most births for the name Delfino was the 1970s, with a total of 364 babies. The 1990s came in second with 262 births, followed by the 1980s with 258 births.
However, it's worth noting that the popularity of the name Delfino has been decreasing in recent years. From 2015 to 2023, there were only a total of 74 births, averaging around 10 births per year during this period.
This data suggests that while Delfino was once a popular choice for parents, it is now less commonly used as a baby name in the United States. Nonetheless, it remains an uncommon and unique name with a rich history of usage dating back over a century.