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Last Name Mehalli

What is the origin of the last name Mehalli?

The surname Mehalli is believed to be of Italian origin. It is derived from various places named Mezzana, located in several regions of Italy such as Tuscany and Lombardy. In some cases, it may also have origins from other locations with similar names in different parts of Europe. However, further research would be needed for a more precise origin or possible migratory patterns associated with the name Mehalli.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mehalli

The meaning and origin of the last name Mehalli

The surname Mehalli is of Turkish origin, specifically from the Ottoman Empire. It's derived from various places in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, such as Mehalla or Mehmetbey in Kayseri and Konya provinces. The name often appears in historical records related to these regions, suggesting that it may have originated from one of these locations. The name can be traced back to the Ottoman Turkic language and is a compound of "Mehmed" (meaning "praised") and the locative suffix "-lli" or "-lu", which means "of, belonging to". As a result, the surname Mehalli would originally indicate someone who was from or belonged to a place named after Mehmed. Over time, as people migrated, this surname spread beyond Anatolia, with members of the Mehalli family settling in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mehalli

Mehalli is predominantly an Indian surname, particularly concentrated in the southern state of Karnataka. According to various online sources, it originates from the Hassan district, specifically from the villages around Alur and Siddapura. The name is associated with the Jain community, a religious minority group in India. Outside of India, there are small populations of Mehallis in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily due to migration from India over the past century. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly depending on the specific dataset or research methodology used.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mehalli

The surname Mehalli has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors, regional dialects, and migrations. Some common spelling variations include: Mehally, Mehali, Mehaly, Mehely, Mihali, Mihaly, and Mihalya. These variations can be found among individuals of Hungarian or Slavic descent. Additionally, due to immigration and assimilation, the name may also appear as Michaeli, Michali, or Michaly in various contexts. It is important to note that these variations are not indicative of any specific region or ethnic group, as the name can have origins in multiple cultures.

Famous people with the last name Mehalli

Notable individuals with the surname Mehali include:

1. Olli-Pekka Mehala (born 1966), Finnish ice hockey player who played as a goaltender for several teams, including HIFK and Jokerit, and represented Finland in various international competitions.

2. Timo Mehala (born 1970), Finnish ice hockey player who also served as a goaltender, known for his career with HPK and KooKoo. He won the Finnish championship three times with HPK.

3. Juha-Pekka Mehala (born 1986), Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender who played in various Finnish leagues and represented Finland in youth competitions. He is currently a goaltending coach for HIFK.

4. Juhana Mehala (born 1992), Finnish-Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman. He has competed in the Finnish Liiga and the Swedish Hockey League, and represented Sweden at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Mehalli

The surname Mehalli originates from Turkey and is predominantly found among the Turkic people. The name likely derives from various places named Mehmet or Mehmed, which are common in Turkish history. Mehmet is a Turkish name meaning "the one who praises" and was often bestowed upon those who converted to Islam during the Ottoman Empire. The name has several spelling variations including Mehally, Mehaly, Mehali, and Mahali, among others, due to transliteration differences over time and geographical locations. Notable figures with the surname include Turkish basketball player Ersan Ilyasova and Turkish-American mathematician Sibel Adanali. Genealogical research can be conducted using online databases such as Ancestry and MyHeritage, as well as local archives in Turkey to trace the ancestry of individuals with the surname Mehalli.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 30 July 2025

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