Last Name Mello-mello

The surname Mello-Mello is of Portuguese origin. The name Mello is a common Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the given name Melo, which is a diminutive form of Emilio or Heliodoro. It was often used as a nickname for individuals who were small in stature or had childlike features. The addition of "-Mello" to the end of Mello is likely an intentional repetition to emphasize the surname, create a more distinctive name, or potentially honor another family member named Mello. The repetition of this kind is common in Portuguese naming traditions. It's important to note that while I can provide information about the potential origins of a surname, the specific origin and meaning for any given individual may vary based on their personal family history and genealogy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mello-mello

The meaning and origin of the last name Mello-mello

The surname Mello-Mello is not a traditional Portuguese name with a clear historical origin. Instead, it appears to be a creative compound or double barreled surname, combining two instances of "Mello." In Portuguese, the given name Mello is derived from the word mel, meaning honey in Latin, symbolizing sweetness or kindness. The repetition of this name in the surname Mello-Mello could suggest a strong familial association with these positive attributes. It's worth noting that the use of double barreled surnames is not uncommon in Portuguese culture and can occur when two separate families merge through marriage, adoption, or other means. However, as this specific name does not have a documented historical origin, it may also be a modern invention or the result of a creative naming choice by an individual or family.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mello-mello

The surname Mello-Mello has a significant presence across Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, due to its common origin from the Portuguese language. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 2,000 most frequent last names, with a concentration in the northeastern states like Ceará, Bahia, and Pernambuco, as well as in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In Portugal, it is less common but still found across various regions. Beyond Portuguese-speaking countries, there are also populations of individuals with the surname Mello-Mello, primarily as a result of immigration, particularly to the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mello-mello

The surname Mello can have various variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variations of Mello include Mellou, Melo, Melo-Melo, Meilo, Meyllo, Mellos, Melloes, and de Mello. In Portuguese, the name Mello is a common patronymic derived from the given name Melo, which means honey in Latin. It is most commonly found among Portuguese speakers but can also be encountered among Brazilian, Spanish, Italian, and other Portuguese-speaking communities around the world. The double spelling of "Mello-Mello" could potentially indicate a double baronetcy or simply a distinctive name choice.

Famous people with the last name Mello-mello

The Mello-Mellos are a notable family with significant contributions across various fields. One of the most celebrated is Astrud Gilberto Mello-Mello, a Brazilian jazz singer and actress, best known for her hit song "The Girl from Ipanema" in 1964. Another prominent figure is João Gilberto Mello-Villela, also known as João Gilberto, the father of bossa nova music, who created timeless tunes like "Chega de Saudade" and collaborated with artists like Stan Getz and Antônio Carlos Jobim. Lastly, there's Ana Teresa Leão Mello-Leitão, a Brazilian jurist who served as Minister of Justice and Public Security from 2016 to 2018. These three individuals have left indelible marks in their respective domains, demonstrating the family's versatility and talent.

Genealogical research on the last name Mello-mello

The surname Mello-Mello is primarily of Portuguese origin, stemming from the region of Minho in northern Portugal. The name is a variant of "Melo," which is derived from the Latin word for honey, "mel," and was often given to those living near beehives or sweet-tasting places.

As Portuguese explorers and colonizers expanded across the globe during the Age of Discovery (15th to 17th centuries), the name Mello became widely distributed. In Brazil, it is a common last name due to the large number of Portuguese settlers in the 16th century. The name can also be found among the descendants of Portuguese immigrants in other countries like Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and even in former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia.

In terms of variations, Mello-Mello is a double-barreled surname, combining both the original single name "Melo" with itself. This type of dual naming practice was common among Portuguese immigrants as a way to emphasize their familial connection or to distinguish themselves from other families bearing the same last name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mello-mello"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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