Surname Melo - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Melo: What does the surname Melo mean?
The surname Melo originated from Portugal and has a topographic origin, denoting someone who lived or worked near an apple orchard. It comes from the Portuguese word "melo" which means apple. The family name may also derive from the name of several places in Portugal named Melo. Over time, like many surnames, it has spread to other countries around the world due to immigration and diaspora. Many people with the surname Melo can be found in Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Italy, and some Latin American countries, as well as among Portuguese communities in the USA and Canada. Since surnames often indicate a geographical origin or occupation, the last name Melo likely identified families known for apple farming or residing near an orchard. It should be noted that each family's history could differ, so the exact meaning may vary for individuals with the Melo surname.
Order DNA origin analysisMelo: Where does the name Melo come from?
The surname Melo has its roots in several countries. It possibly originated from the Christian era in Spain, specifically in the northwest region of Galicia. The name is a habitational or geographical one, derived from various places named Melo in Spain and Portugal. Many of the first recordings of the surname date back to the 12th century in Spanish scripts.
The surname Melo is widespread across Portuguese and Spanish-speaking nations due to the exploration and colonisation activities of these countries in the past. Today, Melo is common in Portugal, Brazil, Colombia, and to some extent, in Spain. However, this surname also spread and became prevalent in former colonies of Portugal like Angola, Mozambique, and Goa (India), along with other locations around the world touched by Portuguese and Spanish migration. Famous personalities with this surname include the NBA player Carmelo Anthony and the Colombian writer Laura Restrepo de Melo, further spreading its recognition.
Variations of the surname Melo
The surname Melo has origin rooted in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian cultures. In all these cultures, it is named after places. Variants of this surname based on location or language can include De Melo, DeMelo, Di Melo, DeMello, Melos, Mellos, Mello, Mellado, Melado, Mellao and Melao. Phonetically similar surnames from different origins include Mello (Italian), Mella (Spanish), Mélo (French), and Mel (English). In Portugal and Spain, it is common for surnames to contain prefixes such as 'de' or 'del', meaning 'of', before the surname. Thus, 'de Melo' or 'del Melo' are also valid variations. Misspellings can occur that include either an additional or a missing 'l', such as 'Melo' or 'Mello', or an 'i' substituted for the 'e', as in 'Milo'. The surname Melo also has diverse usage as a given name in a variety of cultures. The spelling for Melo can vary, based on translation, transcription or regional pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Melo
- Carmelo Anthony: Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. He is a 10-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist, having been a member of the United States national team from 2004 to 2016.
- Alex Sandro Melo: Alex Sandro Melo, commonly known as Alex Sandro, is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Juventus and the Brazilian national team.
- Anef Melo: Anef Melo, also known as Anef da Silva, is a former Brazilian footballer who played for clubs such as Al-Wasl FC in UAE, Cruzeiro in Brazil, as well as Clube Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro.
- Ana Melo: Ana Melo is a Brazilian model, actress and businesswoman. She is the owner of an investment fund in Brazil and also an investor in the world of fashion.
- Roge Melo: Roge Melo is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known for his popular hits “V Cao” and “Casa Grande,” as well as his acting roles in television shows and movies.
- Phelipe Melo: Phelipe Melo is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer who started producing music with his brother Glaucio in the late 1990s. He is known for his work in the pop, electro and hip hop music genres.
- Douglas Melo: Douglas Melo, is a Brazilian soccer coach and former player who currently works for Atlético Mineiro in Brazil's Série B. He started his coaching career in 2006 and has since managed several teams in Brazil.
- Luciano Melo: Luciano Melo is a Brazilian actor and television presenter. He is best known for his roles on TV Globo's soap operas, most notably in Páginas da Vida and Amor Eterno Amor.
- Maicon Melo: Maicon Melo is a Brazilian football coach who currently works for Fluminense FC in the Brazilian Série A. He is highly respected for his tactical acumen and has led many teams, both in Brazil and abroad, to success since beginning his coaching career in 2001.