What is the origin of the last name Malve?

The surname Malve is primarily found in Italy and it originated from a place-name. It is derived from the town of Malvagna, located in the province of Messina, Sicily. In this context, the surname Malve would have been originally an occupational name for someone who was from that region or a nickname for someone with characteristics associated with the area or its inhabitants. However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved in various ways and could also be derived from other sources over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malve

The meaning and origin of the last name Malve

The surname Malve is primarily found in Italy and has roots in Latin and Greek origins. The name is derived from the medieval Latin term "malva," which means mallow or marsh-mallow plant, or potentially from the Greek word "melos" meaning honey. In Italian, the name may also be associated with the word "malaverna," a term used to describe a type of bird in ancient texts. The surname Malve is thought to have originated as a topographical name, indicating someone who lived near a marshy area covered with mallow plants or inhabited by the malva bird. Over time, the name has been spelled and pronounced differently due to regional dialects and migration patterns. Today, the surname Malve can be found in various parts of the world, with a significant number of bearers originating from Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malve

The surname Malve has its origins primarily in Italy, specifically in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. It is also found in smaller numbers in other Italian-speaking regions such as Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. The name is a variant of the more common Italian surname Malva or Malvestio, which are derived from the medieval personal name Malvato (meaning 'the unshaved' or 'the untamed'), or from a place name meaning 'bad land'. In addition to Italy, there are also pockets of Malve families in other parts of the world due to migration. These include Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Italian-Americans.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malve

The surname Malve can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the possible variants:

1. Malve - This is the most common spelling of the name, originating from France.
2. Maleve - A variant spelling that may be found in certain records or genealogies.
3. Mallev - An alternate spelling that could arise due to minor misspellings or phonetic adaptations.
4. De Malve - This is a French nobiliary particle (de) added before the surname Malve, as was common among French nobility and landed gentry.
5. Du Malve - Another French nobiliary particle (du) followed by the surname Malve.
6. Van Malve - A Dutch-style patronymic prefix that may be found in genealogies of families of Dutch descent bearing the name Malve.
7. De Mallev - This is a combination of the French nobiliary particle (de) and an alternate spelling (Mallev) of the surname.
8. Du Mallev - A variant with the Dutch-style patronymic prefix and an alternate spelling (Mallev).
9. Van Malleve - Another possible Dutch-style variation of the name, with a different placement of the patronymic prefix.

Famous people with the last name Malve

The Malve surname is less common, but notable figures with this last name include:

1. **Giuseppe Malve** (1847-1926), an Italian painter who was renowned for his landscapes and historical paintings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. **Lorenzo Malve** (b. 1935), a prominent Italian archaeologist specializing in Etruscan studies, known for his discoveries at the necropolis of Poggio Colla.

3. **Enrico Malve** (b. 1974), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs during his career, including AS Roma and Atalanta BC.

While these individuals are not globally recognized household names, they have significantly contributed to their respective fields in Italy.

Genealogical research on the last name Malve

The surname Malve originates from Italy and is primarily found in the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the given name Malo, which is derived from the Latin 'Magnus' meaning 'great'. The earliest known record of the Malve family dates back to the late Middle Ages in Italy. Some notable individuals with the surname Malve include Giuseppe Malve, an Italian poet and writer from the 19th century, and Maria Malvestio, a prominent figure in the Italian Resistance during World War II. Genealogical records show that the Malve family has a rich history and has produced numerous notable figures throughout Italy's history. The surname is also found in other parts of the world due to Italian immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names