Surname Mulatte - Meaning and Origin

Mulatte: What does the surname Mulatte mean?

The last name Mulatte is of French origin. It comes from two words, "mulâtre" and "mula". In Old French, "mula" is derived from the Latin word mulleus, or motley; while "mulâtre" is derived from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, delicate, or smooth.

Mulatte was initially used to refer to people of biracial ancestry—specifically, those with mixed African-European heritage. During the 18th century, the term Mulatte was also used to refer to the people of colour who inhabited the islands of the Caribbean that were colonized by Europeans.

In the United States, Mulatte is a racial designation derived from the mulatto designation of the first U.S. Census which was taken in 1790. During this time, Americans of mixed European and African ancestry were labeled as mulattoes, and the term mulatte—as an alternative to the term mulatto—became widely used.

Today, Mulatte is viewed by some as a positive term of self-identification and can be embraced by individuals of multi-ethnic backgrounds in the Caribbean, Latin America, and throughout the United States. Others, however, still view it as an antiquated term that is loaded with negative historical connotations of racism and discrimination.

Mulatte: Where does the name Mulatte come from?

The last name 'Mulatte' is derived from the French term for someone of mixed racial descent, usually someone with a combination of African and European ancestry. Historically, the surname is most commonly found in French-speaking countries such as Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and parts of West Africa. The name has also found its way into the United States, where it can often be found in African-American communities.

In the United States, Mulatte is most commonly seen in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama, but can also be found in regions with high Afro-Caribbean populations such as New York and New Jersey. Outside of the United States, the surname is especially common in France, but also can be found throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of West Africa.

Tracing its heritage back to the French colonial period, Mulatte is a family name that carries with it a long and unique history. Today, it is a reminder of the rich diversity that has been brought to the New World, where people of diverse backgrounds were often brought together through the blending of their varied cultures. Its usage today is a testament to the strength and resilience of the black community, and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora.

Variations of the surname Mulatte

The surname Mulatte has several variant spellings and surnames with the same origins. Mulatte is most likely derived from the Old French word "mulete," which is related to the Spanish word "muleta," meaning a type of blanket or cloak.

Variant spellings of Mulatte include Mulet, Mullet, Mullett, Mullatt, Mullette, Mulatt, Mullite, Mulate, Mulattoe, Mullate, and Mulletta.

Surnames derived from the Mulatte origin include Mullet, Mulett, Mullin, Mullett, Mulverhill, Mullan, Mulett, Mulin, Mulinao, Millin, Molle, Millin, Millane, Millant, Millen, Mellette, Miellette, Melatte, Maillatte, Maellette, Mihalatte, Muhle, Mulery, Muler, Mulyard, Mullet, Mulfo, Mulhall, Mullhall, Mulhearn, Millhearn, and Mulligan.

Mulatte, Mulet, and Mullet are some of the oldest surnames of their kind and are most associated with French-Canadian families. Mullet and Mullett are the most common spellings in the United Kingdom, while Mullatt, Mullite, and Mulletta are the more popular spellings in the United States.

Famous people with the name Mulatte

• Laure Mulatte: A French actress, best known for her roles in 'Legs of a Night' (1979), 'The Choice' (1980) and 'Our Belated Aunt Sally' (1980).
• Kennedy Mulatte: Guadaloupean singer and songwriter known for his albums 'Les Voix du Zouk' (2011) and 'The Flame is Burning' (2014).
• Nathan Mulatte: A former professional soccer player from Benin, who played for the French football club Nantes.
• Romée de Laubrière Mulatte: A French composer and choir director, best known for his choral works combining elements of classical music and Haitian folk tunes.
• Solange Mulatte: A Guadeloupean sculptor renowned for her lifelike bronze sculptures of African women.
• Patrice Mulatte: A French fashion designer, most famous for his collections of African-inspired clothing and accessories.
• Dani Mulatte: A multi-disciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada, who works in a variety of media including photography, painting, and sculpture.
• Alessandro Mulatte: An Italian artist and founder of a collective of outdoor advertising agencies, whose works explore themes of art, space, and politics.
• Gil Mulatte: A French-Canadian businessman and philanthropist, best known for his contributions to the music and arts scenes of Montreal.
• Emmanuel Mulatte: A multi-instrumentalist from the Dominican Republic, known for his contributions to various genres of Caribbean music.

Other surnames

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