Surname Mellon - Meaning and Origin
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Mellon: What does the surname Mellon mean?
The surname Mellon originates from Gaelic and Irish descent, specifically from the Gaelic term "Meallán." The term "Meallán" is associated with the meaning "small pleasant one", or "lightning.” So, the last name could carry the metaphorical sense of being a bearer of light or being a charming person. It's important to note that like most other surnames, meanings can vary based on regional interpretations and historical usage. This surname first appeared in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, during the Middle Ages. The Mellon family held a prominent status in the region. The Mellon surname is well-known in American history, linked to the Mellon Bank established by Thomas Mellon and his sons, and his descendants' influential roles in philanthropy, politics, art, environment, and more.
Order DNA origin analysisMellon: Where does the name Mellon come from?
The surname Mellon originated from Ireland. It's derived from the Gaelic name "O'Meallain," which means "descendant of the follower of St. John." This shows that the family was closely connected to the Church, likely holding high positions. They initially resided in a place called Tirconnell, in the northwestern region of the country.
Despite its Irish origins, the Mellon surname has spread far beyond Ireland, largely thanks to emigration waves, primarily to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Today, it is common in the United States, due particularly to its connection with the Mellon family of Pittsburgh, known for their significant contributions in banking and finance, notably Bank of New York Mellon. Members of this family have also been philanthropists, establishing numerous educational and cultural institutions over the years. Therefore, it's common to encounter people with the Mellon surname in the regions where the Irish diaspora has settled.
Variations of the surname Mellon
The surname Mellon has a variety of spellings, variants and surnames of same origin due to regional differences, language influences and phonetic translations over the centuries. Some of the most common spellings of the name include Melon, Mellen, Melen, Mellan, Mellin, Mellyn, and Melun.
The surname Mellon is of Irish origin, coming from the Gaelic O’Mealláin, which means a follower of Meallán. Variations specific to Ireland include O’Meallain and O’Melan. Other variants, especially in English-speaking areas, may include Mellone, Melone, Melloni, Meloni, and Mellion.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the surname could also have been altered upon immigration or through natural evolution of language. Some variations of Mellon may therefore exist in regions of Europe with different languages, such as France (Mélon, Mellón), Germany (Mellon, Mellin), and Scandinavia (Mellin, Melin), among others.
It's important to note that these are not definitive, as spelling and regional changes can often lead to unique variations. Genealogical research is necessary to definitively trace the branches of the Mellon family tree and the exact variations of the surname.
Famous people with the name Mellon
- Andrew Mellon: Financier and Secretary of the Treasury (1921-1932).
- Paul Mellon: Banker, philanthropist, art collector, and racehorse owner/breeder.
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce: Benefactor and art collector.
- James Mellon: Business magnate and philanthropist.
- William Larimer Mellon Sr.: Businessman and philanthropist.
- Sarah Mellon Scaife: Industrialist, philanthropist, and art collector.
- Richard King Mellon: Financier and philanthropist.
- Thomas Mellon: Founder of Mellon Bank.
- Rachel Lambert Mellon: Philanthropist and horticulturalist.
- Tim Mellon: Chairman of Pan Am Systems and co-founder of The Marshall Plan.
- Gail Scofield Mellon: Philanthropist, patron of the arts, and businesswoman.
- Peter Mellen: Businessman and racehorse owner.
- Alisa Mellon Bruce: Socialite, philanthropist, and chairperson of the Frick Collection.
- Robin Mellon: Actress and philanthropist.
- Tony Mellon: Entrepreneur and racehorse owner.