Florio (surname)

Florio is an Italian surname with several possible origins.

• Origin 1: Toponymic. It may derive from a place name, such as Floridia in Sicily, or other places named with reference to flowers ("fiore" in Italian). Such place names often indicated fertile land or areas known for their floral beauty.

• Origin 2: Personal Name. It could be derived from the personal name "Florio," which itself is of Latin origin, stemming from "flos" (flower). This was a moderately common given name in medieval Italy.

• Origin 3: Occupational. In some cases, the surname might be linked to an occupation involving flowers, such as a florist or gardener, though this is less common than the other two origins.

The surname is found primarily in Italy, particularly in the southern regions, and among Italian diaspora communities around the world. Notable individuals with the surname may include:

• John Florio (c. 1553 – 1625): An English linguist, translator, writer, and lexicographer of Italian descent, best known for his English translation of Montaigne's Essays.
• Vincenzo Florio (1799 – 1868): An Italian entrepreneur and politician, a member of the influential Florio family of Sicily.
• Ignazio Florio Sr. (1838 – 1891): An Italian entrepreneur and politician. Son of Vincenzo Florio.
• Ignazio Florio Jr. (1869 – 1957): An Italian entrepreneur. The last of the direct Florio line to be involved in the family business.