Last Name Mele

The surname Mele is of Italian and Spanish origins. In Italian, it is derived from the word "melo," which means apple. This surname was often given to someone who lived near an apple tree or orchard. In Spain, the surname Mele can be a variation of the name Melchor, which has Arabic roots, meaning king or noble. It's important to note that last names often have multiple origins and may have evolved over time in different regions, so it is possible for there to be variations in the origin story of the same surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mele

The meaning and origin of the last name Mele

The surname Mele has Italian origins, derived from the word "mele" which means apples in Italian. It is most commonly found among the peoples of Northern and Central Italy, particularly Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Umbria. It was often used as a nickname for someone who was plump or rosy-cheeked, much like an apple, or for someone who lived near an apple tree or orchard. Like many surnames in Italy, Mele originated during the Middle Ages when a system of hereditary surnames was established to differentiate between individuals within communities. The popularity of the name Mele has spread globally as Italian immigrants dispersed across continents over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mele

The last name Mele is predominantly found within specific regions primarily due to historical migration patterns and cultural influences. In Italy, it is most prevalent in the northern islands of Sardinia and Sicily, as well as the mainland regions of Campania, Apulia, and Calabria. This can be attributed to the Norman conquest of Sicily in the 11th century, where many Normans from France took Italian surnames, including Mele. The name is also present in other Mediterranean countries, such as Malta and Tunisia, reflecting historical ties with Italy. Outside Europe, significant communities bearing the Mele surname can be found in Brazil, particularly in the state of Paraná, due to Italian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals with the last name Mele are located in states like New York, Massachusetts, and California, all receiving sizable waves of immigrants from Italy in the past.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mele

The surname Mele has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Melé, Mele'e, Melei, Meley, Melae, Mellé, and Melle. These variations may stem from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. In Italian, the surname Mele means "apple," reflecting its possible origin as a nickname for someone with a round face or rosy cheeks, similar to those of an apple. In Hawaiian culture, Mele is also a given name that translates to "song" or "chant." Additionally, the surname Mele can be found in countries such as Italy, France, and Hawaii, among others. The exact origin and meaning of the surname Mele may vary depending on its specific spelling and cultural context.

Famous people with the last name Mele

Notable individuals sharing the surname Mele include:

* Jaden Mele, a professional basketball player who played for the University of Vermont Catamounts men's basketball team. He was named America East Rookie of the Year in 2016 and led the Catamounts to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2012.
* Michael Mele, an American actor and musician. Known for his role as "Chick" on the television series "Oz," he has also appeared in films like "Cape Fear" and "Mystic River." Additionally, he is a member of the musical group "The Badlees."
* Rosanna Mele-Murphy, an American poet and writer. She has authored several collections of poetry, including "Rose of Bone," which was selected as the winner of the 2013 May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize. Her work often explores themes of identity, family history, and the natural world.
* Vinnie Mele, an American football coach and former player. He played college football at Boston College before embarking on a professional career that included stints with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. After retiring as a player, he became an assistant coach for various teams, including the University of Washington Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks.

These individuals represent a range of achievements in sports, entertainment, and the arts, demonstrating the diversity of talent among people with the surname Mele.

Genealogical research on the last name Mele

The surname Mele is predominantly Italian in origin, with roots traceable to several regions including Sardinia, Lombardy, and Sicily. The name is derived from the Latin 'Melis,' meaning honey, which suggests that an early bearer of this name may have been a beekeeper or lived near a source of honey. In Sardinia, the name is often associated with the town of Mele, while in Lombardy, it is linked to places such as Meledo and Merate. The earliest known records of the surname Mele can be traced back to the 13th century, with documented instances in both Sardinia and Lombardy during this time. Over the centuries, the name has spread across Italy and beyond, with significant populations now found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina, among others. The diverse origins of the Mele surname make for an intriguing family history research journey, with opportunities to explore various regions, time periods, and cultural traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mele"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends