Surname Mellick - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mellick: What does the surname Mellick mean?
The surname Mellick is of Irish origin. It traces back to the Gaelic phrase "Maol Muire," which translates to "devotee of the Virgin Mary." In the past, it was common amongst Irish communities to use the name of a saint or religious figure prefixed by 'Maol' or 'Giolla' to create a surname, a practice that gave rise to names like Mellick. Over time, as these names got Anglicized, many variations arose, and Mellick is one such variation. Although it is predominantly found in Ireland, over centuries of migration and diaspora, bearers of this surname can now be found worldwide. As is common with most surnames, multiple origins are possible, but the Irish origin seems most prevalent for Mellick. It's important to note that the interpretations may vary slightly across different sources, given the nature of language evolution and regional differences.
Order DNA origin analysisMellick: Where does the name Mellick come from?
The surname Mellick is of English origin. It is believed to have derived from the locations called Mellor, occurring in Lancashire and West Yorkshire. The place name "Mellor" means 'bare hill,' from the Old English "mǣl" (bare or marked) and "hyll" (hill). Over the centuries, the pronunciation and spelling of the name have adapted to Mellick.
As for its current prevalence, it remains most common in English-speaking countries. According to various census data, the highest concentration of people with the Mellick surname is in the United States, particularly in the mid-western regions. However, it can also be found in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, albeit in smaller numbers.
Despite its English roots and predominant concentration in the United States today, the surname Mellick is still relatively rare, held by only a few thousand people worldwide. Thus, the percentage of people with this last name in any given location is quite low.
Variations of the surname Mellick
The surname Mellick may have different variants and spellings due to regional accents, spelling errors, or simplification. These could include Mellik, Mellack, Mellock, Melluck, Mellik, Melic, and Mellicks. The surname may also be spelled as Mellik, which is a common variant. It's equally possible to find very similar surnames that could allude to a common origin or related lineage.
For instance, Mellin, Melin, Mellek, Mellicky, Melliky, Mellakey, Mellacky, Mellnik, Mellix, Mellixx, and more could be potential connections. Melleck, Mellich, Mallik, and similar names might also be linked.
In terms of origin, several sources suggest the surname Mellick is rooted in the British Isles–namely Irish–though the name distribution can be seen in various parts of the world including United States, Canada, and more due to migration patterns. It's crucial to note that the origins and development of surnames are complex and multilayered, often requiring genealogical or historical research for precise determination.
The surname Mellick might also have evolved from a place name. For instance, there's a village in Ireland called 'Milick'. Similarly, there is a chance that surnames such as Mellek and Mellin could be derived from Middle High German word ‘mel(we)’ which means 'to grind', indicating a familial connection to milling professions.
Famous people with the name Mellick
- Evgeniya Mellick: Multi-award-winning 2020 Paralympic swimmer
- Bill Mellick: Professional American football player of the 1950s
- Leon Mellick: English professional footballer of the 1920s and 1930s
- Carl Mellick: American artist, photographer and instructor
- John Mellick: Canadian folk musician
- Max Mellick: Australian filmmaker and videographer
- Jesse Mellick: American figure skater
- Heather Mellick: Disco and music producer
- Mary Mellick: Award-winning novelist of the early 20th century
- John Mellick IV: American illustrator and advertising artist