Surname Mellett - Meaning and Origin
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Mellett: What does the surname Mellett mean?
The last name Mellett is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words “melle” and “et,” which roughly translate to “honey-eater” or “honey-gatherer.” This suggests that individuals with the Mellett last name likely came from a family of beekeepers and honey-gatherers.
Alternative theories suggest that the last name may have originated as a nickname for someone with a sweet or gentle disposition, derived from the combination of “melle,” which referred to an individual’s sweet disposition, and “et” meaning “small” or “little.”
The Mellett last name is found in records from the 12th century, and could be an early spelling of the modern day surname, “Mellott.” While the exact origin and meaning of the last name is still debated, it has been suggested that Mellotts were among the most industrious people in medieval England, as references to the family name appear in documents from that time period.
The Mellett name is still prevalent today, particularly in the United States, where it is most commonly found in the state of Massachusetts. It is also a fairly common name in England, Canada, and Australia.
Regardless of its origin, the last name Mellett carries a special significance. It is a name that carries both a sense of a sweet heritage and the spirit of industry.
Order DNA origin analysisMellett: Where does the name Mellett come from?
The last name Mellett is most commonly associated with Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is a surname derived from the Irish and Gaelic language; with the term “Meilteach” meaning “one gifted with fame”.
In the United States, Mellett is not a common last name, but those who do bear it, tend to be of Irish or British descent. It ranks 8,365 on the 2020 US Census Bureau list of common surnames in the US, with 31,722 Melletts, or 0.0099% of the population, listed.
In Ireland, the most areas the surname is used is Co. Dublin and Co. Cork. In the UK, the counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, Manchester, and Berkshire have the highest percentages of people bearing the name.
Outside of Great Britain and Ireland, the name Mellett is not as common. There is limited evidence of its use in Australia, Canada, and South Africa, though there is evidence of some Irish and British emigrants having moved there in the 1800s.
In recent times, Mellett is likely to have spread somewhat further due to globalisation and international travel. As long as those bearing the name continue to trace their ancestry to the British Isles, the use of the last name Mellett will probably remain most associated with the areas to which it first spread.
Variations of the surname Mellett
The surname Mellett has many variants and spellings. Some of the most common variations include Mello, Mellie, Mellow, Mellot, Mellott, Mellitt, Melloty, Mellett, Mallett, Mallott, Millett, Millery, Millie, and Millot.
Mellett is believed to be of French origin and is derived from the Old French “meuliet” meaning ‘a dull metal instrument.’ It could also be derived from the Old French “maillot” and “meulet,” which mean “a small metal plate or disk for sealing.”
In England, the name can be found quite often spelling as Mellet. This spelling may also be an Anglicized spelling of the O’Mellett clan of Ireland.
In Scotland, the surname is mostly spelled as Millot, which could be derived from the Old French ‘maillet’ or ‘mAillett,’ which mean “little hammer.”
The surname could also derive from a place name, derived from “mesnil” a diminutive of ‘meyn’ meaning “middle.”
In addition to variants of the name, Mellett can be associated with the surname variants of Mellor, Mellors, Melor, Melors, Mellard, and Milard.
The surname is found among different denominations of Christianity, with one peak area in southwestern France. The surname can also be found amongst French-speaking people in the United States.
In conclusion, the surname Mellett has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin and is found amongst different Christian denominations throughout the United States and Europe.
Famous people with the name Mellett
- Brian Mellett: Real Life Coach & Motivational Speaker
- Kevin Mellett: Professional Wrestler
- Angie Mellett: Professional Curler & International Curling Coach
- Brian Mellett: Former NHL Hockey Player
- Mark Mellett: Psychologist & Clinical Hypnotherapist
- Shawn Mellett: Professional Rodeo Bull Rider
- Jim Mellett: Television Writer & Producer
- Jana Mellett: Music Educator & Music Teacher
- Paul Mellett: National Geographic Explorer & Adventurer
- Paul Mellett: Award-Winning Singer & Songwriter