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Last Name Mealor

What is the origin of the last name Mealor?

The last name Mealor is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh personal name "Meilyr," which itself is derived from the Latin name "Meliora," meaning "better." This surname likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it would have originally denoted the son of Meilyr.

origin of the last name Mealor

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mealor

The meaning and origin of the last name Mealor

The surname Mealor is believed to be of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Amhlaidh" meaning "son of Amhlaidh." The Gaelic personal name Amhlaidh is a form of the Old Norse name "Olaf," which means "ancestor's descendant." The name Mealor is commonly found in the County of Fife in Scotland. Over time, variations of the name such as MacMylor, Mylehour, and Millar have emerged. The surname is typically associated with individuals of Scottish descent or those with ancestral ties to Scotland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mealor

The last name "Mealor" is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Wales and the surrounding areas. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, likely due to migration patterns from the UK. Within the UK, it is most commonly found in regions with strong Welsh heritage, such as Powys, Gwynedd, and Conwy. In the US, the name is dispersed across various states, with slightly higher concentrations in areas with historically significant Welsh populations, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Mealor reflects its origins in Wales while also showing its presence in countries influenced by Welsh immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mealor

Some variations and spellings of the last name Mealor include Mealer, Meehler, and Melor. Other possible variations could be Meilor, Meilur, and Meelor. Depending on the region or dialect, the name may also be spelled as Meylor, Myler, or Mailor. These variations may have originated from different languages or historical pronunciations, leading to the diverse ways in which the surname can be spelled. Despite the variations, the commonality among these spellings is the recognizable sound and pronunciation of the name Mealor.

Famous people with the last name Mealor

One of the most famous people with the last name Mealor is Paul Mealor, a Welsh composer known for his choral music, particularly his piece "Ubi Caritas et Amor" which was performed at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Another prominent figure with the last name Mealor is Ryan Mealor, an American professor of management known for his research on leadership and organizational behavior. Additionally, there is also J. D. Mealor, a former American football player who played as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have garnered recognition for their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Mealor

The surname Mealor is of Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Meilir, which means 'mirth' or 'joy' in Welsh. The earliest recorded instance of the surname Mealor dates back to the 16th century in Wales. One notable individual with the surname Mealor is the contemporary composer James Mealor, known for his choral and orchestral works. Genealogical research on the Mealor family reveals connections to various regions in Wales, particularly in the counties of Denbighshire and Flintshire. The surname Mealor has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, likely through immigration and migration patterns. Today, individuals with the surname Mealor can be found across the world, maintaining their Welsh heritage through their family history and traditions.

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