Maltese surnames. The most common surnames in Malta in 2025.
Maltese surnames. Discover the intriguing roots of the surname Chetcuti, its Maltese origins, and its evolution through history, reflecting cultural heritage and identity. Scerri Genealogy d. Indeed, Vella is a family name that carries some serious worth. These surnames, passed down through generations, have their roots in the various civilizations that have occupied Malta throughout history. Agius From the Arabic adjuz, we won’t beat around the bush with this explanation since you don’t have much time left … Continued Some Coat of arms of some of the Maltese Surnames with special thanks to Andrew Hili Surname frequencies by locationIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Extinct Galea is a surname of Maltese origin. Maltese Coat of Arms and Maltese Family Crest. 1. He is also the writer behind a series of popular local tongue-in-cheek novels, including Sliema Wives and Married Madliena Men. May 21, 2024 · This post is about Maltese Surnames List. Most Common Last Names In Malta Forebears knows about 12,163 unique surnames in Malta and there are 35 people per name. This surname originates from the Mediterranean island of Malta, where it is commonly found among the Maltese population. Learn about the history of this surname and heraldry from our database and online image library. A 2011 census revealed that a quarter of the Maltese population share ten surnames - out of 19,104 surnames in Malta. Our data online is to share. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests. A list of surnames in which the usage is Maltese. Feb 4, 2024 · After two years of research and creative thinking, designer Jonn Galea has completed his goal of designing modern heraldry for the 100 most common Maltese surnames. In fact, the emblem usually depicts an orange tree against a blue background. They reflect the island nation's complicated history, varied influences, and strategic location in the Mediterranean. The ‘Australian’ parallel sampleIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Jul 9, 2023 · I made a list of the most common Maltese surnames, gave their Italian equivalents, and put the location in which they peak. Sicilians were the first to colonise the Maltese islands. Common surnames related to the place of origin are Calabrese, Catalano, Cosentino, Genovese, Maltese, Provenzano, Puglisi, Toscano, Tarantino. The name has been spelled in various ways throughout The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Malta has some of the oldest temples in the world. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. One such surname that holds a unique story is 'Sciberras'. Though the Maltese language is part of the Semitic family of languages and very close to Tunisian Aug 7, 2023 · Cacciattolo Cachia Cagliares Cagliari Cali Calleja Callus Camenzuli Camilleri Cannataci Carabott Cardona Caruana Cascun Casha Cassar Cassola Castagnia Catania Cauchi A list of 57 surnames of Maltese language origin, with links to their pages. Early census taking and surname rankingsIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple 1 day ago · Family of Cost. Extinct surnamesIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Extinct surnames Maltese name generator This name generator will give you 10 random Maltese names and surnames. Psaila Derived from the word bsajla, … Continued Why most Maltese share the same 100 surnames Any Sherlock can detect a number of things from my surname. Nov 21, 2018 · Many Maltese surnames, however, have to do with some physical quality. The same happens in the case of Maltese, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in all of the countries of the globe. Malta is mostly in manufacturing of electronics and pharmaceuticals and tourism is one of the major income source of Malta. Atleast Im glad im not the only person interested in maltese This article delves into the origins, meanings, historical evolution, notable personalities, and overall significance of the surname Schembri. My opinion is that they are not really coats of arms since they are not unique to one specific person or family, instead i think that they are just symbols that visually represent what every surname means. A recent post on the Facebook group Nostalgia Malta shows the ranking of the first 120 surnames to pop up in Malta. Learn the fascinating origin of the Maltese surname; its meaning & distribution. com aims to celebrate Maltese surnames and their respective coat of arms through the contemporary illustration of heraldry and informative descriptions gathered from multiple reputable sources. Malta is a tiny country consisting of small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, it has a size of roughly 316 square kilometers (122 square miles) and a population of about 450,000. IntroductionIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Extinct surnames Busuttil is a Maltese surname, probably a derivative of the medieval Maltese surname Busittin – meaning master of 60 men. Prof. 1575–1665), Maltese landowner and militia member Emiliano Tabone (born 1991), Argentine footballer John Tabone (born 1980), Maltese Godfrey Wettinger Maltese Surnames coat-of-arms Early in Angevin times, less than half a generation from the proscription of Islam from Malta, government officials were repeatedly enjoined to keep … The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. I've found this connection fascinating and, thinking others might feel the same The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Learn the fascinating origin of the Portelli surname; its meaning & distribution. One of the prominent influences on Maltese surnames is the Arab occupation of the islands from The pantheon of Maltese surnamesIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames View the Maltese surname, family crest and coat of arms. Ive been researching maltese family coats of arms for quite a while now and i would like to see what is your opinion about them. Like the Smiths and Jones of the UK, some Maltese surnames appear again and again. The surname Borg, which disputes with Vella primacy of occurrence among Maltese surnames,couldhaveresultedfrom the Sicilian town of Burgi, itself perhaps from the Greek pyrgos. The most common Maltese last name is Lui. These include ones like Magro, which means thin (or irqiq in Maltese), and Grasso for the fat ones (which in Maltese is oħxon). The name is derived from the old Latin word Dallum, which refers to a person who had a house, farm or estate. According to Maltese tradition, the Sammut family were well-respected knights and warriors that defended Malta from foreign invasion during the Middle However, according to Professor Joseph Aquilina, Malta's foremost specialist in Maltese etymology and author of the encyclopaedic Maltese–English Dictionary, the surname is a Maltese original formation, originating in the medieval notarial transcription of the word " Għawdxi ", meaning Gozitan or from the island of Gozo. The list covers surnames from Abela to Zerafa, and includes some common and rare names. Cassar (Maltese pronunciation: [kɐˈsːɐːr]) is a Maltese surname, common both in Malta and the wider Maltese diaspora. Sep 17, 2025 · A collection of Maltese surnames with their possible origins, sources and historical records. Chetcuti is a clear indication that my ancestors bred cackles of baby chicks or that they Kunjom. It is considered part of the 14 most numerous surnames in Malta. Discover the Origins and Meanings of Maltese Surnames From the streets of Valletta to cities around the globe, Maltese surnames carry the weight of history, culture, and migration. [1][2] People with this surname include: Adam Agius (born 1971), Australian member of the progressive metal band Alchemist Ambrose Agius (1856–1911), Maltese bishop Andrei Agius (born 1986), Maltese footballer Explore the rich history and heritage of Maltese surnames. In some cases, Maltese may also refer to a person’s affiliation with the Knights of Malta, a Catholic religious and military Tabone is a Maltese surname. Maltese surnames Publié le 25/03/2015 Joëlle PAWELCZYK Maltese surnames are relatively identifiable in their vast majority, but because of the different cultures that have impacted the Maltese island, they have various origins: Sicilian & Italian surnames Widespread, these names are often due to the close proximity of Sicily and Italy, as: Bonello, Camilleri, Cremona, Dalli, Giglio, Delicata Mar 11, 2023 · Are you looking for the most common Maltese surname? Here is a list of the most popular, cool, and unique last names in Malta. Common examples include Azzopardi, Bonello, Cauchi, Farrugia, Gauci, Rizzo, Schembri, Tabone, Vassallo, Vella. Learn more about Noble Family Scerri with crests and their origins revealed. Maltese is the Semitic language spoken on Malta. Maltese Surname origins Maltese Surname origins. Maltese is the official language, but there are influences from other cultures found throughout Maltese culture as well The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Explore the most common Maltese surnames and their origins, meanings and historical influences. 263 Maltese first names categorized by gender and frequency available in CSV, SQL and JSON format. Celebrating Maltese surnames through the contemporary rendition of their heraldry. Are they just Maltese surnames, or are there surnames from other countries? All the information about surnames in the world. ' father of chickens'). , What seems to have happened was, the area Surnames are an integral part of our identity, passed down through generations and often carrying with them a rich history and cultural significance. Maltese last names - there are 36798 people with Maltese origin last names in the USA. Introduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Extinct surnames Census 2005 and the History and Evolution The surname Micallef, like many others, traces its lineage through historical documents, ecclesiastical records, and civil registries that have emerged over the centuries. Click on a surname to discover for free its origin, meaning, popularity and geographic distribution in map form. Oct 22, 2024 · Sicilian and Italian surnames are common due to the close vicinity to Malta. Notable people with the surname include: Aloisio Galea (1851–1905), Maltese theologian and minor philosopher Anthony Galea (born 1959), Canadian sports medicine specialist Ben Galea (born 1978), Australian professional rugby league footballer Carol Galea (born 1962), Maltese long-distance runner Sep 9, 2014 · Godfrey Wettinger Maltese Surnames coat-of-arms Early in Angevin times, less than half a generation from the proscription of Islam from Malta, government officials were repeatedly enjoined to keep … Malta: Here is the ranking of the most common family names in this country at Geneanet. A stratigraphy of Maltese surnamesIntroduction Some rambling thoughts A stratigraphy of Maltese surnames Hull’s theory of a Girgenti colony Early census taking and surname rankings Census 2005 and the commonest surnames in Malta The pantheon of Maltese surnames Surname frequencies by location A snapshot of Gozo The ‘Australian’ parallel sample Cognates and doublets Multiple surnames Maltese is an Italian surname, meaning literally "Maltese" or "from Malta ". It should be safe to say that most of these people are somehow related to each other…they were the first families to populate the island. [1] People with the name include: Albert Buttigieg (born 1964), Maltese politician Anthony Buttigieg (born 1962), Maltese politician Anton Buttigieg (1912–1983), Maltese Feb 10, 2017 · Following our original list last week, the people behind Kelma Kelma have given us the history behind seven more Maltese surnames – and similar to last week’s, some are a lot nicer than others. The study of Maltese surnames is quite fascinating. Discover the coat of arms of some of the most prominent Maltese families. Clockwise, from top: coats of arms of the top five most common Pages in category "Maltese surnames" The following 75 pages are in this category, out of 75 total. Variations Last name: Scerra,Xerri. May 25, 2024 · The History of Maltese Last Names The history of Maltese last names is intertwined with the complex cultural and historical background of the Maltese Islands. [1][2] The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Maltese name meaning and origin Maltese is a family name of European origin that is believed to come from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Have you ever noticed that there are quite a few Maltese surnames that start with the syllable ‘Bu’? Let’s take a deeper look. 1,124 likes. The Nordic surname comes from the Old Norse borg, meaning "town"; stronghold ; castle Borg may refer to: Åke Borg (1901–1973), Swedish swimmer, twin brother of Arne Alex Borg (born 1969), Maltese snooker player Anders Borg (born 1968), Swedish politician Andy Borg (born 1960), Austrian singer Anita Borg (1949–2003), American historical computer scientist Anna Borg (1903–1963), Danish Nov 15, 2018 · Created by Vittorio Gifra Kunjom. In fact, an incredible 25 per cent of locals share just 10 surnames in total. com. f Maltese surnames: a historical perspective 151 ture, on the relations with other populations, on migratory exchanges, and Oct 30, 2022 · Jonn Galea’s fascination with Maltese surnames started at his grandparents’ house, where he saw depictions of coats of arms. Godfrey Wettinger tells us how most of the surnames originated, while Prof. Special thanks to Andrew Hili for this insightful collection. Graf Vaclav Kazimir Netolitzky z Eisenberka, (1700-1760), Purchase of Kost Castle […] The most common surnames in Malta in 2023. Maltese onomastics, family names included, is polystratal and polyglot, because surnames have reached the island over many centuries in complicated historical and linguistic conditions, and because Malta has always been a place for coexistence of various ethnic groups and their respective languages. Maltese name database with 256 Maltese surnames and 2. It is important to note that while certain surname traditions and naming conventions exist, modern Maltese society has become more diverse and individuals may choose surnames based on personal preferences or other factors. Maltese surnames began to take more formalized structures during the period of the Knights of St. It is also common to parts of Spain and southern Italy. Surnames derived from nicknames are Mancuso (=left-handed), Occhipinti (=painted eyes), Pappalardo (=lard eater), Quattrocchi (=four eyed). Some surnames with de or d' are either listed in D or otherwise. Please note, Surname Sammut - Meaning and Origin all surnames with 'S' Sammut: What does the surname Sammut mean? The last name Sammut is of Maltese origin and is believed to have derived from the Arabic phrase “samut” meaning “protector or guard”. Unlock your family history in the largest database of last names. Jul 13, 2023 · Genealogy Special: Discover the classification of the most common surnames in Malta and Gozo and their meaning! A list of submitted surnames in which the usage is Maltese. That’s vel-la: a simple name to pronounce but one of the most popular Maltese surnames according to a 2011 census. Find more here. Notable people with the surname include: In Maltese, the surname may also be linked to early Christian influences, particularly during the period when Maltese culture was shaped by various civilizations, including the Arabs, Normans, and Knights of St. In this article, we will explore the history, distribution, and The surname Maltese in the globe Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. 865066 The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. The modern maltese alphabet and orthographic system was, after all, only codified in 1921 by the Gh̄aqda tal-Kit- tieba tal-malti (‘The association of maltese Writers’), and officially recognized by the state in 1934. Discover how Maltese surnames reflect the cultural heritage and identity of the Maltese people. Collection of Surnames based on research so far found, though updates will occur if new information does come to hand. Galea is the brains behind The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Notable people with the surname include: Dario Maltese (born 1992), Italian footballer Michael Maltese (1908–1981), American writer, actor, soundtrack composer Serphin Maltese (born 1932), American politician Matt Maltese (born 1997), British-Canadian singer-songwriter This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Maltese. We do appreciate if you find a connection to share your data, so it can help many others all across this planet. Portelli is an Italian and Maltese surname. It is probably a latinisation of the Greek word agios, meaning "saintly" or "holy". John. Jun 21, 2024 · These geographic surnames help to identify an individual’s ancestral roots and provide clues about their family history. Malta is famous for beautiful architectural sites, diving and festivals. The most common surnames in Malta in 2025. Find out the meanings and origins of names from Sicily, Italy, France, Africa and more. Surname Dalli - Meaning and Origin all surnames with 'D' Dalli: What does the surname Dalli mean? The last name Dalli is of Italian and Maltese origin, traditionally linked to the island of Malta situated in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the last eighteen months researching Maltese surnames as a hobby, I’ve started to pick up on certain patterns that recur within their heraldry and etymology (linguistic origin). Origins and Meaning The surname Schembri has its roots in the Maltese language and culture, deriving from the Arabic word “shambri,” which is believed to relate to specific characteristics or traits. In the same way you can The surname Zahra is derived from "zahar": orange blossoms in the early stages or better still, oranges still in the form of a flower. With over 2 million people of Maltese descent worldwide, it’s entirely possible that your last name has roots in this small but resilient Mediterranean archipelago. Another origin is from Arabic ʿajūz, meaning "old man" or "old woman". All Corrections/Additions are Welcome New page: 09-10-2025. com, the new GenForum!. Feb 3, 2017 · The deep, religious meaning of many Maltese first names is quite easily identified, but where exactly did our surnames come from? From Abela to Zammit Malta has quite the variety (bar the Borgs) and our friends over at Kelma Kelma have decided to help clear the air about a few of them. Camilleri is one of those surnames and, in fact, is the second most-common from the list (which Buttigieg (Maltese: Buttiġieġ [bʊtːɪˈd͡ʒɪːt͡ʃ] ⓘ) is a Maltese surname, derived from Sicilian Arabic أبو الدجاج Abu-I-dajāj (i), meaning 'chicken owner, poulterer' (lit. [1] Notable people with the surname include: Albert Busuttil (1891–1956), Maltese philosopher Carmel Busuttil (born 1964), Maltese footballer George Busuttil (born 1939), Maltese diplomat Jeanne-Marie Busuttil (born 1976), French golfer Simon Busuttil (born 1969 Azzopardi (Italian pronunciation: [attsoˈpardi]) is a rare Italian surname of Lombardic origin, naturalized in Malta and to a lesser extent in Greece and France. Ġużè Aquilina groups together surnames to where they are May 24, 2019 · After a few days in Malta you’re likely to have picked up on the fact that certain names are quite common across the local population. Gerard James Borg Also in the music industry and linked to the Eurovision (perhaps it’s a Borg thing!), Gerard has penned six of the Maltese entries for the annual Eurovision Song Contest with writing partner Philip Vella, one of which placed second. Notable people with the surname include: Anton Tabone (born 1937), Maltese politician Ċensu Tabone (1913–2012), Maltese politician, fourth President of Malta Clemente Tabone (c. Nearly all of these are from Agrigento, Caltanissetta, or Palermo in that order. Agius is a Maltese surname. Maltese surnames are those carried by individuals in the island nation of Malta, as well as in the Maltese diaspora in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States. May 25, 2019 · Let's talk about 'vella'. Jan 22, 2012 · Research Maltese in the Surnames forums on Genealogy. The name likely means someone from Malta or is of Maltese descent. Maltese Surnames List are very different from other […] Explore the history and artistry of Maltese surnames and their unique coat of arms through this dedicated art studio. What is the origin of the name Maltese? Aug 21, 2019 · A small island like Malta, having been conquered by so many different nationalities, is bound to have different surnames from various countries, leading to new surnames popping up in society. Discover the Maltese family history for the Italian Origin. Note: Not all descendants are listed.