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Last Name Mella

What is the origin of the last name Mella?

The last name Mella is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "mela," meaning apple. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who either grew or sold apples.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Mella

The meaning and origin of the last name Mella

The surname Mella is of Italian origin, deriving from the word "mela" which means "apple" in Italian. It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked with apples, such as an apple farmer or seller. The surname Mella may also be a locational surname, referring to someone who came from a place named Mella in Italy. Additionally, it could have originated as a nickname for someone with a round or apple-shaped head. Overall, the surname Mella is likely to have various origins and meanings, but it is predominantly associated with Italy due to its linguistic roots in the Italian language. Today, individuals with the surname Mella can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Italy and countries with significant Italian diaspora populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mella

The last name Mella is most commonly found in the country of Chile, where it is one of the top 100 most popular surnames. It is also prevalent in other Latin American countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru. In these countries, the name is typically associated with families of Spanish descent, as it is a Spanish surname. Outside of Latin America, the surname Mella can also be found in the Philippines, Italy, and the United States, often as a result of migration or colonization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Mella is widespread, with a strong presence in Latin America and a smaller but significant presence in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mella

Mella is a last name with various spellings and variations. Some common variations of the surname include Mela, Meela, Mellah, Mell, and Mele. Other less common spellings could include Meleah, Melah, or Melha. The name Mella could also be spelled with different prefixes, such as DiMella or DeMella. In some regions, the name may also be spelled as Mellaht or Mhella. Additionally, the surname could be hyphenated as Mella-Smith or Mella-Jones. Due to the way surnames have evolved and been passed down through generations, there may be even more variations and spellings of the last name Mella throughout different family lines and regions.

Famous people with the last name Mella

Some of the most famous people with the last name Mella include Juan Pablo Mella, a prominent Chilean socialist leader and one of the founders of the Chilean Communist Party. Another well-known individual with the last name Mella is Jaime Mella, a Chilean footballer who has represented his country at the international level. Additionally, Maria Mella, a Spanish actress known for her work in theater and film, has also gained recognition for her talent and contributions to the arts. These individuals have made significant impacts in their respective fields and have left a lasting legacy with their work and accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Mella

The surname Mella is of Spanish origin and is derived from the medieval personal name Melo, which in turn comes from the Latin name Emil. The name is also found in Italy, where it is of Lombard origin. The earliest recorded instance of the Mella surname dates back to the 16th century in Spain and Italy. The Mella family has a long history, with members spreading across different regions over the years. Genealogical research on the Mella surname reveals a prominent family line with individuals holding various titles and positions in society. The name Mella has continued to be passed down through generations and can be found in different parts of the world today, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the family.

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 : 11 April 2025

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