Last Name Malta

The surname Malta has multiple possible origins, but it is commonly traced back to a few different geographical regions and historical periods. One origin could be from the island nation of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, which was inhabited as early as 5200 BCE. People from this region may have taken their place name with them as they migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages. Another possible origin is from the Latin word "Maltum," meaning malted barley or cereal, which could indicate that an ancestor was a grain merchant or miller. In some cases, surnames were given based on a person's occupation or place of origin. It's also worth noting that there are several towns and villages named Malta in various countries throughout Europe, such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. A family could have taken their name from one of these places as they migrated over time. Ultimately, the specific origin of a particular Malta surname may be difficult to determine without additional information about the specific lineage or geographical area.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malta

The meaning and origin of the last name Malta

The surname Malta is of geographical origin, primarily associated with individuals from the island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is derived from the Latin word "Melite," which was the ancient Roman name for Malta. This Latin name was likely adopted when the Romans occupied the island during the 2nd century BCE. Over time, as families migrated and settled elsewhere, the name Malta became a surname, often used to identify people from this specific location. The usage of geographically-derived surnames like Malta spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages when mass migration due to political, religious, or economic reasons was common. Today, the name Malta can be found among communities in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and other countries with historical ties to Malta.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malta

The surname Malta is predominantly found in countries that were once under Portuguese influence, particularly Portugal itself and its former colonies. A significant number of individuals bearing this name can be traced back to the Azores archipelago, a region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The name has also been observed in Brazil, another major Portuguese-speaking nation. Additionally, a small but notable presence of the Malta surname is found in North America, particularly among immigrants from the Azores who settled in the United States and Canada during the 20th century. While the distribution of the Malta name is primarily concentrated in these regions, it can also be found sporadically across various parts of Europe and North America, reflecting historical migration patterns and the diaspora of Portuguese people.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malta

The surname Malta can have various spelling variations due to transcription errors, regional dialects, and family traditions over time. Some common spelling variants include: Mallta, Maltah, Malte, Maltea, Malteo, and Maltoe. These alterations may be found across different countries, particularly among families of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent, as the name is derived from Malta, the small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, due to historical migrations, you might encounter the name being anglicized as Malltey, Maltie, Malthy, or similar forms in regions where English is predominant. It's important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily imply different origins or meanings for the surname.

Famous people with the last name Malta

Notable individuals with the surname Malta include:

1. Julianne Malverne Malta (born 1984), an American actress who is best known for her roles in films like "The Lizzie Borden Chronicles" and "The Mentalist".
2. Joe Malta (1930-2017), a renowned American sports broadcaster, who worked with ESPN for over three decades. He was the voice of the Washington Redskins from 1964 to 1978.
3. Albert A. Malta (1882-1954), an American politician and businessman. He served as the Mayor of New York City from 1940 to 1941, during the World War II era.
4. David Malta (born 1965), a British author who has written several critically acclaimed fantasy novels, including "The Song of the Stone" and "The Eternal Flame".
5. Tasha Malta (born 1987), an American model and actress, known for her work in fashion and television series like "America's Next Top Model".
6. Edward G. Malta (1903-1983), an American engineer and inventor who contributed to the field of aeronautical engineering, particularly in the design of aircraft wings.

Genealogical research on the last name Malta

The surname Malta is predominantly of Spanish origin, though it also appears in other parts of Europe and South America. In Spain, the name can be traced back to medieval times, where it was often associated with settlements or geographical features named "Malta," which were likely derived from the Arabic term "malat" meaning "hills." Some of the earliest known bearers of this surname in Spain include Rodrigo Malta, who lived in the Kingdom of Valencia during the late 13th century, and Juan de Malta, a resident of Seville in the early 15th century. The name spread to other regions of Europe, primarily through colonization, with notable families bearing the name in Italy, Portugal, and France. The Malta family is also well-represented in South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, where it was brought by early Spanish settlers. Today, the surname Malta is found worldwide among individuals of diverse backgrounds, though it remains relatively rare compared to other common European surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Malta"
• 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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