Last Name Mula

The surname Mula is of Spanish and Croatian origin. In Spain, it is derived from the place name Mulero, which was originally a location name denoting someone who lived in a place called Mulero. It's worth noting that in Spain, many surnames originate from places or geographical features associated with the original bearer's ancestral home. In Croatia, Mula is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name Mule, which is a short form of various Slavic names ending in -milo, such as Miloš, Milovan, and Milorad. The similar-sounding Italian surname Mulato, which is of different origin and meaning, might sometimes be confused with Mula due to linguistic and cultural connections between these countries. However, it's important to note that the origins and meanings of names can vary significantly among different language groups and regions, even when they sound similar.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mula

The meaning and origin of the last name Mula

The surname Mula has roots traced back to multiple origins due to its prevalence in various regions. In Spain, it is thought to have originated from a place name or topographical feature, such as a mill, derived from the Latin 'mola,' meaning millstone. This surname can also be found in Croatia, where it may be of Slavic origin and could possibly mean 'wolf.' In Albania, Mula is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name Murad, which comes from the Arabic 'murid,' meaning 'one who strives or serves.' The spread and variation of the surname Mula across countries reflect historical migrations, colonization, and cultural exchanges over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mula

The surname Mula has its roots primarily in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Castile and León. It is also common in Portugal, especially in the northern provinces like Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Additionally, the name has been recorded among populations of Spanish and Portuguese descent in South America, notably in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. In some cases, it may also be found in other European countries, including Italy and France, due to historical migrations or assimilation processes. It's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly based on factors like genealogical research, immigration patterns, and naming customs over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mula

The surname Mula has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Mulah, Moola, Mulla, Moula, Mulay, and Mulawa. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic transcription, or regional dialects. For instance, the surname Mulah is commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations, while Moola is prevalent in Indian communities. Similarly, Mulla is a common name in Middle Eastern and Muslim populations, but also appears as an occupational title for religious leaders. Moula is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, while Mulay is seen among Berber-speaking communities. Lastly, Mulawa can be found among some Indigenous Australian groups. These variations demonstrate the global distribution and cultural richness associated with the surname Mula.

Famous people with the last name Mula

Notable individuals with the surname Mula include:

1. Aleksandar Mula (born 1984), a Serbian footballer who played as a midfielder for Red Star Belgrade and various other clubs.
2. Enver Mula (born 1953), an Albanian politician who served as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare in the Government of Albania from 2017 to 2019.
3. Vedran Mula (born 1986), a Croatian professional basketball player, known for his career with KK Split in the Croatian League and ABA League.
4. Agim Mula (born 1987), an Albanian-Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club U.S. Alessandria Calcio 1912.
5. Faton Mula (born 1993), a Kosovan footballer who plays as a defender for Swiss club FC Schaffhausen and the Kosovo national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Mula

The surname Mula is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, with potential origins rooted in the Basque region. The name is believed to be of toponymic origin, derived from various places named Mula, such as a town in Murcia, Spain, or a region in the Douro Valley, Portugal.

During the Middle Ages, many Basques migrated across Europe due to religious and economic reasons, which could explain the dispersal of the Mula surname. In Spain, the name is most common in regions like Aragon, Navarra, and La Rioja, apart from Murcia where it originates. In Portugal, it can be found primarily in the north, particularly in the districts of Porto, Braga, and Vila Real.

Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the Mula surname have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, military, arts, and sciences across both countries. For instance, Juan de Mula was a prominent Spanish soldier during the 16th century, while in Portugal, Raimundo de Mula was a notable jurist and author of the 18th century. The name's distribution suggests a long history and diverse ancestry, with the potential for numerous branches within both Spanish and Portuguese genealogies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mula"
• 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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