Last Name Mel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mel

The meaning and origin of the last name Mel

The surname Mel has its origins in various cultures and languages, making it challenging to pinpoint one specific origin. In Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, Mel may derive from personal names such as Mael or Maleswin, which meant "healer" or "slave of God," respectively. In Hebrew, Mel can be translated as "bee." In some Slavic languages, the surname Mel could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or open land. In all these cases, the surname Mel has roots that date back to ancient times and reflects the diverse cultural influences throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mel

The surname Mel is predominantly found in various European countries, particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltic region. In Sweden, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames, with the highest concentration in the counties of Västra Götaland and Stockholm. In Norway, it is also relatively frequent, primarily in the regions of Oslo and Trøndelag. The name is also common in Finland, particularly in the provinces of Southern Finland and Ostrobothnia. Additionally, smaller populations with this surname can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia. Outside Europe, the Mel surname can be traced in countries with significant Scandinavian diaspora communities, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mel

The surname Mel, or variants thereof, is originated from various regions and has multiple spellings. Here are some common variations:

* Mel, Mell, Mellis, Melas, Mela, and Meli are some of the most common English spellings. These names can be derived from a variety of sources, including Old Norse, Greek, or Hebrew origins. In Norse, it means honey; in Greek, it can mean black; and in Hebrew, it is believed to be derived from the name Malachi, meaning messenger of God.
* In Welsh, the surname Mell or Melwyn is derived from the Old Welsh words "mêl" (honey) and "gwn" (white), respectively. These names may have been brought to Wales by Norse settlers.
* The Scottish variant Melville is a combination of the Gaelic words "mel" (honey) and "bhaile" (town or settlement). It was originally a place name, but it became a surname when its residents began to be identified by their home village.
* In Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark, Melby is a common surname derived from the Old Norse words "melr" (honey) and "byr" (farm or village). Similarly, Melhus in Norway comes from "mel" and "hus" (house), and Mölle in Sweden is derived from "mell" (middle).
* In Eastern European countries such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, there are variations of the surname Miel, Mielniczuk, Melnyk, and Melnik. These names are believed to be derived from the Slavic word "mel" (honey), or possibly from the Old Church Slavonic word "mily" (dear).
* In some cases, the surname Mel may also be a shortened form of other names containing "mel," such as Melrose, Meldrew, or Melchior. These names are derived from various sources and have different meanings, including city, grumpy, and king of the Magi, respectively.

Overall, the surname Mel has a variety of possible origins and spellings, making it an interesting name for genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Mel

Notable individuals with the surname Mel include:

1. Hank Aaron (Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron), an American professional baseball player who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves between 1954 and 1976. Known as "Hammerin' Hank," he broke Babe Ruth's career home run record, setting a new mark of 755 homers in 1974.

2. Woody Allen (Allen Stewart Konigsberg), an American film director, writer, actor, and comedian. He is known for his prolific career in cinema, which began with the release of "What's New Pussycat?" in 1965. His films have garnered numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards.

3. Mel Brooks (Melvin James Kaminsky), an American comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. He is best known for his work as a creator of comedy albums, television shows, and films, such as "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," and "Young Frankenstein."

4. Carl Mel (1903-1987), an American painter associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement. Known for his lyrical abstract works, he was a member of the Ten Painters and Sculptors group in New York City.

5. Jamie Mel (born 1972), an Australian musician best known as the drummer for the band Silverchair from 1994 to 2011. The band achieved commercial success during the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like "Tomorrow" and "Anthem for the Year 2000."

Genealogical research on the last name Mel

The surname Mel is of Hebrew origin and is believed to be an occupational name for a smith or metalworker. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "melekh," which means king, but in the context of professions, it referred to someone who worked with metals.

The name Mel can be found throughout Europe, particularly in Eastern and Central regions. In Poland, the name is quite common and is often associated with the Jewish community. In Ukraine, the name has a significant presence among the Carpathian Ruthenians.

In Scotland, the name Mel is thought to have been anglicized from Gaelic Mac Mhail or Mac Mhaoil, which mean "son of Michael." The Scottish Mel clan originated in Moray and Banffshire, where they were hereditary keepers of the forests of Strathbogie.

In England, the name is less common but can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing the name in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The name Mel also appears in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork and Limerick.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mel"
• 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 : 24 July 2025