Surname Melander - Meaning and Origin
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Melander: What does the surname Melander mean?
The last name Melander is of Scandinavian origin, historically found in Sweden. It is derived from the old Norse name Melandr which itself is made up of two root words; melr meaning 'sand' and ander meaning 'ravine'. Thus, it could be interpreted as someone who lives near a ravine of sand.
The Melander surname is found most frequently within Swedes, especially in the southern provinces. It was most likely derived from an ancestor or individual who was known for living in or near a ravine of sand, or for being strong-minded and strong-willed like the sand.
Through the centuries, the Melander family name may have changed in spelling and pronunciation due to the migrations of the family during wars and religious conflicts. Today, the Melander name continues to spread throughout both Sweden and the United States. It is likely to remain a distinguished name for years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMelander: Where does the name Melander come from?
The surname Melander is widely spread throughout the world today, but there are certain areas where the name is most common. It is particularly prevalent in Europe, particularly in Germany, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic countries. In the United States, Melander is most commonly found in the states of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. In Canada, it can be found in Ontario and in certain parts of Quebec. The name is also common in parts of Latin America, though it is rarer there than it is in North America and Europe.
In Sweden, the surname Melander is one of the more common names, with more than 10,000 people using it. It is also a popular name in Finland, but it is less common there than it is in its neighboring country. In Germany, the name is not as popular as it is elsewhere, but it is still relatively widespread, with about 5,000 people sharing it.
The name Melander also has a significant presence in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, particularly among people with Swedish or German ancestry. There is even a Melander Street in Sydney, Australia. There are also Melanders in places as far-flung as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
All in all, the name Melander can be found on every continent, and it is likely to remain one of the most widespread surnames in the world for years to come.
Variations of the surname Melander
The Melander surname has varied variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Melander has its root in the Swedish word “malande”, which translates as “mellow” or “desirous”.
The earliest documented variant of Melander is Malander, first seen in southern Sweden in the 17th century. The spelling of the surname has evolved over time, resulting in a variety of forms.
Other variants of Melander include Mellander, Malander, Mollander, Mallander, Mallender, Mauland, and Mnallander. Variations of Melander in other languages include Mellender, Malender, and Malander in Dutch, Maland in French, and Morländer in German.
A variation of Mellander is Meulen, which originated as an occupational surname meaning “mill worker”.
The spelling of the Melander surname has been affected by the spoken language of its original bearers. For example, in Finland the Melander surname was adapted as Moilanen, leading to the Finnish surname Moilanen.
In addition to the variants of Melander, there are also several surnames that are derived from the same root as Melander. These surnames include Mollen, Molin, Molinius, Molina, and Moller.
Altogether, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Melander. As such, it is important to be aware of these variations when researching family history and genealogy.
Famous people with the name Melander
- Thomas Melander, a popular Danish actor, singer, and musician.
- Lisa Melander, a Swedish ice hockey player.
- Anita Melander, a Swedish swimmer.
- Stig Melander, a Swedish sports journalist.
- Per Melander, a Swedish actor, director, and screenwriter.
- Thore Melander, a Swedish cross-country skier.
- Ann-Sofie Melander, a Swedish chess player.
- Lennart Melander, a Swedish curler.
- Peter Melander, a Swedish mineralogist and petrographer.
- Nicolas Melander, a French physicist.
- Alva Melander, a Swedish novelist.
- Kristina Melander, a Swedish modern pentathlete.
- Axel Melander, a Swedish gymnast.
- Jens Melander, a Swedish mathematician.
- Stina Melander, a Swedish film director.
- Robin Melander, a Swedish ice hockey player.
- Janna Melander Grahn, a Swedish equestrian.
- Karl Antti Melander, a Finnish jurist.
- Gunnar Melander, a Swedish priest and folklorist.
- Magnus Melander, a Swedish soccer player.