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Last Name Maillefer

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What is the origin of the last name Maillefer?

Last updated : 29 July 2025

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The surname Maillefer is believed to be of French origin, derived from a medieval occupational name for a smith who made nails (mail in Old French). The suffix "-fer" means "smith." This name may have been originally a…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Maillefer

The surname Maillefer originates from French language roots, specifically from the Old French "mail" which means "hammer," and "éperon" or "éperonnieu," both meaning "spur." The name was likely given to someone who possessed a characteristic resemblance to these objects, such as being strong and robust like a hammer, or having an elongated or spur-like feature. It is worth noting that the surname Maillefer has various spellings in different regions due to historical variations in pronunciation and transcription. The name first appeared during the Middle Ages in France and later spread throughout Europe as a result of immigration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maillefer

The surname Maillefer is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly Switzerland and France. It originates from the Old French word "maillet," meaning hammer, and "fer," meaning iron, indicating a blacksmith or someone who worked with hammers and iron. In Switzerland, it's most common in the western cantons like Vaud, Fribourg, and Neuchâtel, reflecting its historical roots. In France, it is primarily found in regions such as Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Grand Est, with some occurrences in other parts of the country. The surname Maillefer has also been traced to other French-speaking countries like Belgium and Canada due to migration patterns over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maillefer

The surname Maillefer has various spelling variations, reflecting its historical origins and potential transcription errors over time. These include: Maillefert, Mailleferte, de Maillefer, De Maillefert, Mallefer, Mallefert, Mailléfer, Mailléfert, Maillefeur, Maillefeurt, among others. The name is believed to be of French origin and can be translated as "mail maker", derived from the words "maison" (house) and "fausse" (false) or "verrou" (lock), referring to a profession associated with making or repairing metalwork such as mail armor, gates, or locks. These spelling variations serve as reminders of its historical roots and demonstrate its versatility in different settings throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Maillefer

Notable individuals with the surname Maillefer include:

1. Jean-Daniel Maillefer (born 1943), a Swiss writer and poet who has published over thirty books in French. His work explores themes of nature, human relationships, and the passage of time.
2. Pierre Maillefer (1856–1941), a Swiss landscape painter who was a member of the Swiss Artists Association. He is known for his vivid representations of landscapes from various regions in Switzerland.
3. Stéphane Maillefer (born 1976), a Swiss football goalkeeper who played professionally for several clubs, including Lausanne-Sport and Neuchâtel Xamax. He also represented the Swiss national team at the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament.
4. Fanny Maillefer (born 1995), a Swiss para-alpine skier who won two bronze medals in the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. She competes in events for visually impaired athletes and is coached by her father, Jean-Claude Maillefer.
5. Jean-Claude Maillefer (born 1963), a Swiss skier who competed at the Winter Olympics twice: in 1984 and 1988. He has also served as a coach for various ski teams, including Fanny Maillefer's para-alpine team.

These individuals are notable in their respective fields of literature, sports, and art within Switzerland.

Genealogical research on the last name Maillefer

The surname Maillefer originates from France and is believed to have derived from the Old French "maille" meaning "mesh" or "net," and "fer" meaning "iron." Early records indicate that the name was first found in the county of Savoy, where the family held a significant presence. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Aymon Maillefer, who lived during the 13th century. He served as a knight under the Duke of Savoy and played an important role in local politics. The Maillefer family expanded into other regions of France over the centuries, with notable lineages found in cities such as Paris and Lyon. The name also spread to other European countries through immigration and colonization efforts, with descendants present in various parts of the world today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated : 29 July 2025

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