Last Name Malet

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malet

The meaning and origin of the last name Malet

The surname Malet is of Old French origin, derived from various placenames in France such as "Malaquet" and "Malak". These places were named either for "male ac," meaning "bad land" or "mal aigle," meaning "evil eagle." Over time, the spelling evolved into Malet, Mallett, Mallatt, and other variations. The surname is primarily found in England, France, and the United States today. Notable figures with this surname include Sir John Malet, an English politician in the 16th century, and Charles J. Malet, a U.S. Army general during World War II.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malet

The surname Malet is predominantly found in France, particularly in regions such as Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, and Brittany. It is also common in Spain, specifically in Catalonia and Aragon, due to historical links between these regions and France. Additionally, the name has been carried by settlers to various parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, where French and Spanish influence has been substantial. In England, it is less common but can be traced back to Norman families who settled there following the conquest in 1066. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other European countries as a result of migration and historical connections with France and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malet

The surname Malet can have several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences. Here are some of them:

1. Mallet - This is one of the most common variants, particularly found among French speakers. It originates from the Old French word "male" meaning hammer.
2. Mallat - A variant commonly found in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and other regions with French influence.
3. Mallette - A less common variant of Mallet, which could potentially be used as a diminutive or nickname form.
4. Maley - An English variation that could have originated from the Norman-French Malet or Mallet.
5. Malliott - Another English variant, possibly derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Leoid (son of Leod).
6. Malett - A less common spelling found in some English-speaking regions.
7. Mallath - A rare variant that might be found among populations with Scottish or Irish ancestry.
8. Malletto - An Italian variation of the surname, which could potentially be a diminutive form of Maletto (diminutive of Malo).
9. Melete - A possible Greek variant, derived from the Greek word "μελη" meaning care or thought.
10. Mellet - A less common English variation that could have originated from the Old French Malet or Irish Melith, a diminutive of mel (honey).

Famous people with the last name Malet

Notable individuals with the surname Malet include:

1. Charles Malet (1649-1702), an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for several constituencies from 1681 to 1702, and played a significant role during the Glorious Revolution.

2. George Malet (died c. 1351), an English knight and crusader, who participated in the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260, one of the earliest Crusader victories against the Mamluks.

3. Sir John Malet (1584-1641), an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for Taunton from 1626 to 1629 and again in 1640, just before his death.

4. Philippe de Malet (1763-1835), a French officer and Napoleonic soldier who attempted a coup d'état against the Bourbon Restoration government in 1832.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, military service, and historical events.

Genealogical research on the last name Malet

The Malet surname is of French origin and is derived from various places named Malet, found primarily in the departments of Calvados and Manche, Normandy, France. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 12th century with Wilelmus de Maleto appearing in records from Le Cotentin, Normandy.

During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), many Normans, including those bearing the surname Malet, left France and settled in England. The Malets played significant roles in English history; for example, Sir John Malet served as Lord Mayor of London from 1419 to 1420.

Subsequently, some Malets emigrated to Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Others moved to Scotland and England, particularly during the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296-1357) and the English Civil War (1642-1651).

In North America, Malets arrived as early as the 17th century. John Malet is documented as a passenger on the Mayflower in 1620, settling in Plymouth Colony. Other Malets migrated to Canada and the United States throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the Malet surname can be found predominantly in France, England, Ireland, Scotland, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, with a global population estimate of around 20,000 individuals.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Malet"
• 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 : 28 July 2025