Last Name Mala

The surname "Mala" has origins that can be traced to several regions and cultures due to its simplicity and phonetic nature. Here are some possible origins: 1. Slavic (Czech/Slovak): This surname is common among Czechs and Slovaks, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. In this context, "Mala" may derive from a personal name of Slavic origin, such as Mála, which has a meaning like "little" or "small." 2. Basque (Euskara): In Basque, "mala" means "bad" or "evil." The surname could have been given to someone who displayed negative qualities, similar to the English surnames Smith (blacksmith) or Miller (grain miller). 3. Finnish: In Finland, Mala can be a variant of the female name Maalia or Maalina, meaning "little ray" in reference to the small, fast-moving fish called the ray. 4. Hawaiian: In Hawaiian language, "mala" means "garland" or "lei." The surname may have been given to someone who wore garlands frequently or was involved in making leis. 5. African (Bantu): In some Bantu languages spoken in Africa, "mala" can mean "grass," "reed," or a specific plant used for medicinal purposes. The surname may have been given to someone who lived near such plants or had skills related to them.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mala

The meaning and origin of the last name Mala

The surname Mala has origins rooted in various cultures, primarily in Slavic, Celtic, and Indian societies. In Slovakia, Croatia, and other Slavic countries, Mala is a female given name meaning "little" or "small." As a surname, it could be an occupational name for someone who made small items or a diminutive form of another female given name.

In Croatia, the Mala surname is also associated with the word for honey in the Chakavian dialect, implying that the original bearer may have been a beekeeper. In Celtic cultures, Mala could be derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhathghamhna, meaning "son of the smith."

In India, Mala is a common female given name, often translating to "garland" or "necklace," and in certain regions, it serves as a surname. The origin and interpretation of the name may vary within different Indian communities due to regional linguistic differences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mala

The last name Mala is predominantly distributed across Central and Eastern Europe, specifically in countries such as Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. It also has a significant presence in Russia, particularly in the Ural Mountain region. The name may also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, as well as among diaspora communities in various regions worldwide. The origins of the name are largely Slavic, derived from the word "mala," which means small or young in several Slavic languages. Variations of this surname include Mali, Male, and Mall, among others, and they often reflect regional spelling differences rather than distinct surnames.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mala

The surname Mala has various spellings and variations across different regions and cultures. Some of the most common include:

* Mala (primarily found in India)
* Malla (found primarily in Nepal, as well as India and Indonesia)
* Mallo (Spanish and Portuguese variation)
* Malle (French variation)
* Mal (Scandinavian variation)
* Mall (Irish variation)
* Molla (Turkish variation)
* Mollo (Italian variation)
* Malow (Polish variation)

Additionally, there may be regional variations and phonetic spelling adaptations that arise from the pronunciation of the name in different languages. It is always a good idea to consult historical records or genealogical research for specific instances of the surname Mala to determine the most accurate and historically relevant spelling or variation.

Famous people with the last name Mala

Notable individuals with the surname Mala include:

1. Mira Mala (b. 1987), a Swiss professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the SCL Tigers in the National League (NL). She is one of the few female goaltenders to have played professionally at the highest level in Switzerland, and has represented her country at various international events.
2. Małgorzata Malaszyna-Mala (b. 1963), a Polish journalist and politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019. She is a member of the Law and Justice political party, and has held positions in various ministries within the government during her career.
3. Mala Nurick (b. 1958), an American filmmaker and writer whose work focuses on social justice issues. Her films have been shown at numerous festivals and exhibitions, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Whitney Museum of American Art. She is also a professor of Media Studies at The New School in New York City.
4. Mala Htun (b. 1976), a Burmese-American human rights activist who co-founded the Karen Women's Organization (KWO) and the Kachin Women's Association Thailand (KWAT). She has worked to raise awareness about the human rights situation in Myanmar, particularly for ethnic minorities such as the Karen and Kachin people.
5. Mala Powers (1920-2017), an American actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. Some of her most notable roles include "The Far Country" (1954) and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). She was also a producer, writer, and director, and worked to promote women's rights in the film industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Mala

The surname Mala originates from various regions across Europe, primarily Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Croatia. It is derived from several possible sources, including a short form of male names ending in "mal" such as Malen, Malachy, or Maleslav, meaning "small", "defender", or "servant of Saint Maurice" respectively. In some instances, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a small hill or mound, derived from the Slavic word 'malo', meaning little. The Mala family has been documented in Central Europe since the Middle Ages, with many branches migrating to other parts of Europe and North America during the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the name include Mala Romanova, a Russian Grand Duchess, and Miloslav Mala, a Czech composer and musician. Genealogical research on the Mala family continues to uncover more about its history and dispersal across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mala"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 13 June 2025

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