The surname Belfiore and its variant Bellafiore have a mainly auspicious origin, linked to medieval personal names charged with positive meaning. According to E. De Felice, they derive from the names Belfiore or Bellafiore (from bèl fiore / bella fiore), with the sense of "[may you be] beautiful as a flower". This type of name expressed a wish or ideal quality for the person, and over time became a hereditary surname. He also notes that, in some cases, the surname may have a toponymic origin, derived from localities called Belfiore present in various Italian regions.

Along the same lines, E. Rossoni confirms the derivation from medieval names such as Belfiore or the feminine Bellaflos, documented as early as the 14th century. He also mentions historical figures such as Galeotto Belfiore Malatesta, which shows the antiquity and use of the name in noble contexts. This interpretation reinforces the anthroponymic character of the surname, linked to given names widespread in the Middle Ages.

From the geographical point of view, both authors agree in noting a wide dispersion in Italy, although with more defined clusters. E. De Felice indicates that it is rare in general, except in Liguria and eastern Sicily, while E. Rossoni specifies a greater presence in southeastern Sicily, Puglia, Campania, Lazio and the Genoa area, with Bellafiore being more specific to the Trapani area. Taken together, the various interpretations show a surname of symbolic and poetic origin, with possible developments both anthroponymic and toponymic.