Last Name Malo

The surname Malo has origins that can be traced to multiple European countries. In France, it is a diminutive form of the given name Marcel, which means "devoted to Mars," the Roman god of war. In Scandinavian countries, Malo may have originated as a nickname for someone with fair hair or complexion due to the Old Norse word 'mál' meaning "hair" or "hue." Additionally, in Eastern Europe, Malo can be derived from the Slavic male given name Matej (Matthias), which has Greek origins and means "gift of God." It is also possible that Malo may have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a small valley or depression.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malo

The meaning and origin of the last name Malo

The surname Malo is a patronymic derived from the given name Malew, Malew, or Małew, which has Slavic origins. In some Slavic languages, including Polish and Russian, Malo translates to "little" or "small." This surname was often given to children born after several older sons, indicating that their parents expected a smaller family size following them.

The name spread throughout Eastern Europe as a result of migration and assimilation over centuries. It is particularly common in Poland, Russia, and the Baltic states, but also appears in other Slavic countries. The spelling and pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the country or region, such as Malow, Malewicz, Malaš, or Mały. As a result of immigration waves, the surname Malo is now found in many parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malo

The surname Malo is predominantly found in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and Portugal, due to its derivation from these languages, meaning 'bad' or 'evil'. Additionally, it is common in French-speaking areas, where Malo is a variant of the name Marcel. The distribution expands to French Canada, especially Quebec, as well as France itself, owing to historical migrations. It can also be found among Portuguese descendants in Brazil, Cape Verde, and other former Portuguese colonies. In the United States, the name is often of Spanish or Portuguese origin, with concentrations in states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York that have significant populations of Hispanic and Latin American descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malo

The surname Malo has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some common variants include Mallo, Mallo, Mallos, Malloch, Mallocks, Maloch, Malocs, and Malock. These variations arise from differences in spelling conventions, dialects, or regional pronunciations over time. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name Malo is often pronounced as "mah-loh" and can be written as Maló in certain contexts. Additionally, it's worth noting that the name Malo may have different meanings depending on its origin. For instance, in Basque, Malo is a variant of Maltz, which means king or ruler. In Finnish, Malo can be a diminutive form of Eino, meaning peace or eternal. Ultimately, these variations and potential meanings underscore the multifaceted nature of the surname Malo.

Famous people with the last name Malo

Notable individuals with the surname Malo include:

* Jacques Malo (born 1963), a Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons from 2008 to 2015, representing the riding of Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques.
* John Malo (1741–1803), a French Canadian fur trader and explorer who was one of the first Europeans to explore the area around present-day St. Paul, Minnesota.
* Jules Malo (1905–1978), a French Canadian composer and pianist whose works include the ballets "La Nuit de Saint-Jean" and "Les Amours de la cour".
* Yves Malo (born 1966), a French journalist who has worked as a correspondent for France 24, Europe 1, and Radio Canada International.
* Richard Malo (born 1970), a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League with teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers.
* Pierre Malo (1635–1695), a French Canadian fur trader and explorer who was one of the founders of Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
* Antoine Malo (born 1987), a French actor who has appeared in films such as "Les Intouchables" and "Mortel Transfert".

Genealogical research on the last name Malo

The surname Malo is of French origin, derived from the given name Melis or Males, which meant "bee" in Old French. This name was often given to someone born during beekeeping season, symbolizing industriousness and hard work. The earliest recorded instance of the surname Malo can be traced back to France, with Guillaume Malo appearing in records from Normandy in the 13th century. The Malo family migrated to other regions of Europe and eventually spread across the globe during colonial periods. In Spain, the name is spelled Mallo or Maló; in Portugal, it's Malo or Málho. The surname also appeared among settlers in North America, with early records showing Jean Malo immigrating to New France (now Canada) in the 17th century. Over time, variations of the name such as Malloy, Malloch, and Mallott have emerged due to phonetic spelling adaptations or regional dialects.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Malo"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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