Last Name Mallart

The surname Mallart is believed to have originated from the Old French term "Malart" or "Malerte," which was a nickname given to someone who was skillful or artistic, possibly referring to a painter or a craftsman. This name could have also been derived from the Old Norse word "malr," meaning "grinder" or "millstone." The name was initially used as a given name in Normandy and Brittany during the Middle Ages but later became a surname when people started to adopt hereditary names during the High Middle Ages. It is most commonly found today among French-speaking populations, particularly in France and Quebec.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mallart

The meaning and origin of the last name Mallart

The surname Mallart is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "malle" which means "mallet," a small hammer used for carpentry or other crafts. Over time, the name evolved to Malleart and later Mallart, likely due to phonetic changes over generations. The surname Mallart is relatively uncommon but can be found across France and its colonies, as well as in regions where French settlers have migrated, such as Quebec in Canada. Famous individuals with the surname Mallart include the French impressionist painter Édouard Vuillard-Mallangé, who often incorporated his family name into his artistic works.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mallart

The surname Mallart is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the northwestern region of Brittany, where it originated. Historically, it was common among the Breton nobility and clergy. Over time, emigration from Brittany led to the dispersal of the name within France, as well as to other countries such as Canada and the United States, particularly Quebec due to French colonization efforts. In the United Kingdom, there is also a concentration of the Mallart surname in areas with strong historical ties to Brittany, such as Cornwall. Additionally, small populations of individuals bearing this surname can be found in other European countries, notably Belgium and Switzerland, due to migration and cultural exchange over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mallart

The surname Mallart can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Malart, Mallard, Mallert, Mallarte, Malharte, Malhart, Malheart, Mallertz, Mallerts, and Mallorth. These variations may appear in different regions or be influenced by the language of origin. The original spelling is likely French, with "mallart" being a diminutive form of "malart," which means "badly made" or "clumsy." It's important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate separate surnames but rather different ways of writing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Mallart

The Mallarmé family has produced notable figures in various fields, with Henri Maurice Émile Baudelaire Mallarmé being one of the most distinguished. Born in Paris in 1842, he was a French poet, essayist, literary critic, and Transcendentalist. His work, characterized by symbolism, had a profound impact on French literature. Another significant figure is Claude Oscar Monet Mallarmé (1842-1923), a French philosopher who was one of the co-founders of the philosophical movement known as neo-Kantianism. However, it's essential to note that neither Henri nor Claude shared the surname 'Mallart.' Instead, they were both related to Charles Baudelaire through their maternal grandmother, Adele Mallarmé Baudelaire. The misconception of 'Mallart' as a separate last name may arise from an error in translation or transcription over time.

Genealogical research on the last name Mallart

The surname Mallart is primarily found in France and Belgium, with its origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Jean Malart, who lived in Languedoc-Roussillon, France during the 13th century. Over time, variations in spelling such as Malart, Mallart, and Mallard arose due to differences in regional dialects and scribes' interpretations.

The name is believed to have been derived from the Old French 'male art', meaning 'bad craft' or 'poor work'. This may suggest that the original bearer of the name was associated with inferior craftsmanship, although this interpretation remains speculative.

Notable individuals bearing the Mallart surname include Georges Mallarmé, a renowned French poet and symbolist; and Albert Mallart, a Belgian politician who served as Minister of State in 1932. In contemporary times, the Mallart family continues to be represented across France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mallart"
• 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

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