From the streets of Valletta to cities around the globe, Maltese surnames carry the weight of history, culture, and migration. With over 2 million people of Maltese descent worldwide, it’s entirely possible that your last name has roots in this small but resilient Mediterranean archipelago.
A Global Maltese Presence
Today, figures like Roberta Metsola (born Tedesco-Triccas), President of the European Parliament since 2022, shine a global spotlight on Malta. But the Maltese diaspora goes far beyond politics. With only 500,000 residents on the islands, the Maltese community abroad is nearly four times larger, especially in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, France, and even Tunisia and Algeria.
Could your last name be part of this rich heritage?
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament since 2022.
Pete Buttigieg, American politician and former presidential candidate.
Mario Grech, Maltese catholic Cardinal and considered papabile.
Maltese Surnames: A Mirror of History
Maltese family names reflect the island’s multicultural past. Over centuries, Malta has absorbed influences from Arabic, Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, French, British and Greek cultures—each leaving a mark on its surnames.
The Three Main Origins of Maltese Surnames
Maltese last names can be grouped into three broad linguistic and cultural families:
- Semitic: Mostly Arabic and Hebrew roots
- Romance: Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, and French influences
- Anglo-Saxon: British, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh origins
A Nation of Shared Names: The Top 100 Surnames
According to the 2011 census, a striking 76% of Maltese people share the same 100 surnames, with names like Borg, Camilleri, Vella, Farrugia, Zammit, Galea, Micallef, and Grech appearing most frequently.
Many of these names date back to the Middle Ages, with some, like Grech, Attard, Falzon, and Calleja, tracing back to the 13th century during the Angevin rule.
Where Do Maltese Surnames Come From?
Maltese last names usually fall into four categories based on origin:
- Personal names (e.g., Grech from Greek)
- Place names (e.g., Darmanin from a Maltese village)
- Occupational names (e.g., Spiteri from spice merchant)
- Nicknames or traits (e.g., Zerafa meaning “giraffe”, likely referring to a tallor slim person)
Examples and Meanings of Common Maltese Surnames
Semitic Origin
| Surname | Meaning |
| Attard | Possibly from Arabic ‘attar’ – “perfumer” |
| Agius | From Greek hagios – “holy” or “saintly” |
| Bajada | From Arabic bayyada – “to whitewash” |
| Borg | Maltese for “pile of stones” or “fortified village” |
| Bugeja | From Sicilian Bugea – “shepherd” |
| Buttigieg | Means “poultry seller” |
| Cassar | From Arabic kassar – “breaker”, or Latin cassarus – “horse” |
| Fenech | From Arabic fenec – “rabbit” |
| Zammit | From Arabic samir – “serious”, or “the third sibling” |
Romance (Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, French)
| Surname | Meaning |
| Aquilina | From Italian aquila – “eagle” |
| Azzopardi | Possibly from Sicilian zappard – “herdsman” or Hebrew origin |
| Bonnici | From Latin bonus – “good” |
| Camilleri | From Italian Camillo – “young noble” or Hal Milleri, a Maltese village |
| Dalli | Possibly from Arabic al-ali – “noble” |
| Formosa | From Italian formoso – “graceful” or “well-shaped” |
| Gatt | From Italian gatto – “cat” |
| Pace | From Italian pace – “peace” |
| Vella | From Italian villa – “estate” or “village” |
Unique Cases: Spiteri and Debono
Spiteri
Linked to the Maltese word spiteru, meaning “spice merchant” or “grocer”, Spiteri may also be a variation of the Sicilian Spitaleri—derived from the French hospitalier, referring to the Knights of Malta.
Debono
A surname derived from the Italian buono, meaning “good”. Some speculate a link to the Bonaparte family, but there’s no historical evidence—despite Napoleon’s brief 1798 visit to Malta.
Could You Be of Maltese Descent?
If your surname is among those listed—or matches Maltese phonetic patterns—it might be worth tracing your genealogy. With millions of Maltese descendants worldwide, your name might be the key to a deeper cultural connection.
🧬 Want to explore your Maltese roots further?
Search your surname in Malta’s national archives or connect with genealogical societies focused on Maltese heritage.
