E. Rossoni notes that this surname is characteristic of Sicily, especially of the Syracuse area, with presence in Avola, Syracuse and Ferla. He proposes an etymology of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek term kofè, which means "deaf", suggesting that the founder of the lineage could have been a person with that condition.

V. Blunda offers a different interpretation: the surname would be of Sicilian dialectal origin and would derive from the word còffa, which designates a pannier or bag made with leaves of the dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), a plant native to the Sicilian scrubland. This woven container was used to transport vegetables, ricotta, fish and light tools. According to Blunda, the surname could have originated in the trade of the basket-maker or in a nickname applied to the one who sold these bags in popular markets. The author also warns that the association with the Italian còffa ("mast platform of the ship") constitutes a false etymology.