Last Name Meloni

The surname Meloni is of Italian origin. It comes from the Latin word "mel" meaning honey and the suffix "-one," indicating a person related to something. In this case, it could have been someone who lived near a beehive or sold honey. Over time, it has evolved into various spellings in different regions, such as Melone, Meloni, Melloni, etc., reflecting the regional dialects and phonetic changes that occurred over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meloni

The meaning and origin of the last name Meloni

The surname Meloni is an Italian patronymic derived from the given name "Melone," which translates to "melon" in English. It is believed that this surname was initially used as a nickname, possibly given to someone who had a round or plump face, resembling a melon. The name became hereditary over generations, with the initial carrier passing it down to his descendants.

The first recorded use of the Meloni surname can be traced back to Italy during the Middle Ages, specifically in Tuscany and Umbria regions. It is one of the numerous Italian names originating from fruits or vegetables, reflecting the agricultural origins of many Italian families. The name remains widespread throughout Italy today. Variations such as Melone, Meloni-Melo, Melon, Melono, and Melonchi are also found across Italy and in diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meloni

The surname Meloni is primarily distributed across Italy, with the highest concentration found in the Emilia-Romagna region, particularly in the provinces of Rimini and Forlì-Cesena. Significant numbers can also be found in Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria. The name is often associated with the Romagna area due to its historical ties to this region, including the Meloni family of Rimini, a prominent noble family during the Renaissance. Beyond Italy, smaller populations of Meloni families can be traced in Argentina, Canada, the United States, and other countries where Italian immigrants have settled. Notably, Argentina has a substantial number of individuals with the surname due to mass immigration from Italy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meloni

The surname Meloni has various spelling variations, most commonly found as Melone, Meloni-Rusconi, Melon, Melonni, Melun, Meluno, and Melunni. These alterations often result from regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in immigration records. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these versions are derived from the Italian word "melone," meaning "melon." The name is most prominent in Italy and regions with significant Italian influence, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Famous people with the last name Meloni

Giorgia Meloni is a prominent Italian politician and the current Prime Minister of Italy. Born on January 15, 1972, she serves as the leader of Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia), a conservative political party. She has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2006 and was previously a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2014. Meloni is known for her strong stance on immigration, law and order, and traditional Italian values.

Another notable figure with the last name Meloni is Alessandro Meloni (born 1976), an Italian footballer who played as a goalkeeper in Serie A clubs such as Sampdoria, Atalanta, and Genoa. He also represented the Italian national team at the Under-20 level. Throughout his career, he was known for his quick reflexes and shot-stopping abilities.

These two individuals have gained significant recognition in their respective fields and continue to shape their countries' future.

Genealogical research on the last name Meloni

The surname Meloni is predominantly Italian in origin and is derived from the word "melone," meaning melon. It is most commonly found in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Tuscany. Early records show that the name emerged during the Middle Ages, with early references dating back to the 12th century in Italy. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Filippo Meloni, a Renaissance sculptor from Florence, and Vincenzo Meloni, an Italian painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Meloni family, who played a significant role in the history of Sicily, can also be traced back to this period. Genealogical research suggests that many Melonis migrated from Italy to other countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly to the United States and Argentina, as a result of economic hardship and political instability. Today, the Meloni surname is widespread across the globe, with significant populations in Italy, the United States, and Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meloni"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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