Last Name Mellon

The surname Mellon is believed to have originated from England. It is derived from a geographical location called Melton, which can be found in various counties including Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, and Staffordshire. Over time, people who lived in or near these locations started using the name as a form of identification. The surname was later brought to America by English settlers, particularly those who emigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Mellon include Andrew W. Mellon, an American financier, philanthropist, and statesman, who served as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mellon

The meaning and origin of the last name Mellon

The surname Mellon originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Melun, Mellan, and Melin appearing in medieval records. The name is believed to be topographical or occupational in nature, derived either from the Old English word "mæl" meaning honey, or the Old Norse word "melr" meaning sandy soil or a mill. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to its modern form, Mellon. Notable individuals with this surname include Andrew W. Mellon, an American banker and philanthropist who served as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Herbert Hoover.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mellon

The surname Mellon is predominantly found in the English-speaking world, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. In England, it is most concentrated in the northern counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumbria, with smaller pockets in other regions like Kent, Somerset, and Devon. In Scotland, Mellon is most common in the Central Lowlands, particularly in Lanarkshire, while in Wales, it is found primarily in southwest Wales, particularly around Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Beyond the British Isles, there are also significant populations of people with the surname Mellon in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is most common in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia, which have historically had large numbers of immigrants from the British Isles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mellon

The surname Mellon has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions of this name include Melton, Millton, Meltoun, Mellton, Melden, and Melin. These variations may have originated from misspellings or phonetic interpretations of the original spelling during historical periods when literacy rates were lower, or due to migration and assimilation into different cultures. Despite these differences, they all share a common etymology that is believed to be derived from places named Melton in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Famous people with the last name Mellon

The Mellon family, an American dynasty, is renowned for their significant contributions to business, philanthropy, and politics. Andrew W. Mellon (1854-1937) served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Hoover and was a key figure in the development of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., donating his extensive art collection. His son, Paul Mellon (1907-1999), was an avid art collector and co-founder of the National Gallery of Art along with his brother, Ailsa Mellon Bruce (1889-1969). Ailsa served as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy during the Kennedy administration. Richard Mellon Scaife (1932-2018), another member of the family, was a significant political figure and newspaper publisher in Pittsburgh. These individuals have left lasting legacies in various domains, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of the Mellon family.

Genealogical research on the last name Mellon

The Mellon family is an influential American dynasty with roots traceable to Scotland in the early 16th century. The surname Mellon originates from the town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, England. John Mellon, a Scottish immigrant, arrived in America in the late 17th century and settled in Pennsylvania. His descendants, including Thomas Mellon and his sons Richard Beatty Mellon and Andrew W. Mellon, established the banking firm Mellon National Bank in Pittsburgh, which played a significant role in financing industrial growth during the 20th century. Andrew Mellon served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Herbert Hoover, playing a crucial role in fiscal policy during the Great Depression and presiding over the creation of the Federal Reserve System's open market operations. His grandson, Paul Mellon, was a prominent philanthropist who founded the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., among other charitable contributions. The family's wealth has made them one of the most influential and affluent families in American history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mellon"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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