Last Name Mealla

The surname Mealla is of Italian origin. It is derived from various Italian toponyms, primarily those located in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Examples include Mealla di Sopra and Mealla di Sotto, both towns in the province of Pistoia. The name likely originated as a place name for someone who was born or resided near one of these locations. Over time, it became a hereditary surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mealla

The meaning and origin of the last name Mealla

The surname Mealla is believed to have origins rooted in various parts of Europe, particularly Scandinavia and Ireland, due to its similarity to some Nordic and Gaelic names. In Norse mythology, "Mjöllnir" refers to the hammer of the god Thor, which may have influenced the formation of names containing the element "Mealla." In Irish, "Meallach" means "slender" or "lean," potentially contributing to the development of the surname Mealla. The spelling variations, such as Mealye, Meally, and others, are a result of phonetic changes over time and regional dialects. However, it is essential to note that the exact origin and early history of this surname remain somewhat uncertain, with further research needed to fully understand its evolution.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mealla

The surname Mealla is predominantly found in Finland and Sweden, indicating its Scandinavian origins. In Finland, it's most concentrated in the western regions, particularly Tampere, Turku, and Helsinki, suggesting historical migration patterns from rural areas to urban centers. In Sweden, it's predominantly found in the southern parts of the country, such as Södermanland, Västerås, and Stockholm counties. This geographical distribution suggests a shared history or cultural exchange between these two Scandinavian countries. The surname Mealla is less common outside of Scandinavia, but it can be found in small numbers among the Finnish diaspora in other parts of Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mealla

The surname Mealla can be found with various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Mealia, Meallia, Mealya, Mealyah, Meallis, Meallus, and M'Ealla. These variations might arise from slight differences in pronunciation or due to the influence of different languages and cultures. In some cases, these variations may also indicate that the surname originated from different parts of the world, although the exact origins of the name are not definitively known. It is important to note that these variations are all considered to be forms of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Mealla

Notable individuals with the surname Mealla include:

1. Matti Mealanen (b. 1964), a Finnish politician who served as Minister of Transport and Communications from 2011 to 2014.

2. Jukka Mehalsoo (b. 1987), an Estonian footballer who plays for Flora Tallinn in the Meistriliiga.

3. Ahti Mealanen (1906-1965), a Finnish politician who served as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry from 1954 to 1957.

4. Veikko Mealanen (b. 1932), a Finnish musician, composer, and conductor, best known for his work with the band Raappana.

5. Eero Mealanen (1870-1950), a Finnish architect who designed several notable buildings in Helsinki, including the Central Railway Station.

Genealogical research on the last name Mealla

The Mealla surname is primarily found in Ireland and Scotland, suggesting its origins may be linked to Celtic tribes. In Ireland, it's believed to originate from County Mayo and Galway, while in Scotland, it's most prevalent in the Strathclyde region. The name could be an anglicized form of various Gaelic names such as Mac Eala or Mac Ailidh, meaning "son of Eala" or "son of Nourished," respectively.

The Mealla family is associated with several notable figures in Irish history. For instance, the Meallas of Lecan, a prominent branch of the family, were chiefs of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne sept from around the 13th century. The family played significant roles in Irish politics and culture, contributing to literature, law, and religion during the Middle Ages.

In Scotland, the Mealla name is associated with the Clan MacMillan, a Highland Scottish clan that traces its lineage back to the 10th century. The MacMillans were powerful landholders in Argyll and Perthshire until the late Middle Ages.

Overall, the Mealla surname has a rich history rooted in Celtic culture and is associated with influential families in both Ireland and Scotland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mealla"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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