Garofalo

Garofalo is a surname of Italian origin. It is generally regarded as derived from garofano, the Italian word for the carnation, and is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone associated with carnations, a gardener, or a floricultural trade.

The form Garofalo reflects a regional or dialectal variant of garofano, with the -lo ending commonly found in Italian surnames that form personal names or nicknames.

The surname is most prevalent in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities. In recent centuries it has spread to the Americas and other parts of Europe through migration and settlement, where bearers have integrated into local cultures.

Notable people with the surname include Janeane Garofalo (born 1964), an American comedian and actress.