Unique names inspired by the tales and background of the ancient island of Malta.
Malta, an island close to southern Italy, has a rich history and traditions that go back to ancient times. One tradition that stands out is the popularity of Maltese baby names, many of which are similar to English names. This is because Malta was under British rule in the 1800s before gaining independence in 1964. Both Britain and Spain tried to use Malta as a naval base, but only Britain succeeded. Even after independence, Malta still has British influences in its traditions, including naming conventions. Check out these unique Maltese baby names that combine Maltese and English influences.
Famous Maltese Baby Names For Boys With Meanings
1. Aaron
This Maltese baby name from the Bible, which means ‘mountain of strength’, has been popular among the people of Malta. It has consistently remained in the top names for boys for many years. One great thing about this name is that it will always be in fashion, even though it’s from the Bible.
2. Aiden
The Maltese baby name Aiden, spelled with an ‘e’, is a commonly used variation of the Irish name Aidan, which means ‘little fire’. The original name was a shortened version of Aodh, the Celtic God of fire and sun. Actress Tracey Gold brought this version of the name into the spotlight when she used it for her son.
3. Andre
The Maltese baby name Andre is currently very popular. He has a cool style and attitude that gives off a carefree vibe. In French, Andre is the equivalent of Andrew and means ‘man’. The most well-known person with the name Andre is the American tennis player Andre Kirk Agassi.
4. Andrew
Andrew is a popular Maltese baby name that has stayed popular for a long time. It continues to be in the top 20 list, mainly because of its connection to the Bible. Nicknames like Drew and Andy are hip options. Andrew comes from the Greek name Andreas and it means ‘manly and brave’.
5. Christopher
Christopher’s ability to adapt to different nicknames and spellings has contributed to its popularity worldwide. You can customize it to make it more appealing if you’d like. This classic Maltese baby name originates from the Greek name ‘Kristophorus’, which means ‘Christ-bearer’.
6. Dean
Dean Moriarty, a character known for his free-spirited and adventurous nature, has made the name Dean memorable to many people. This Maltese baby name is simple, direct, and carries a sense of authority. The name can mean either ‘supervisor’ or ‘valley.’
7. Denzel
The traditional Cornish name that means ‘from the high stronghold’ became famous because of the American actor Denzel Washington. As a result, there has been a rise in people naming their children Denzel globally. It is believed that the actor was named after his father, Dr. Denzel, who helped deliver him.
8. Elias
Elias is a great option to the popular name Elijah. It isn’t as common and has a pleasant sound. It is also the middle name of Walt Disney. Elias comes from the Greek version of Elijah and means ‘Yahweh is God’.
9. Fleming
The Maltese baby name comes from England and means ‘man from Flanders’. It is often associated with the New Zealand cricketer Stephen Fleming. The name has been used in England, Malta, and surrounding regions since medieval times and has been held by some saints.
10. Isaac
Isaac, a name from the Bible that belongs to Abraham’s son, has been popular in Malta for a long time. Many successful people, like inventors, Nobel Prize winners, physicists, musicians, and composers, have had this name.
11. Jake
Jake is a casual and friendly name, perfect for parents who want to stay connected to tradition while also embracing modern trends. It is a short and strong name, derived from Jack, which means ‘God is gracious’.
12. Joseph
Joseph has consistently been in the tenth position in popularity over the last century, which shows how widely used and well-liked the name is. The Maltese baby name Joseph is known for its dignified and humble sound, and it has become successful because of these qualities. In English, Joseph is the equivalent of the name Yosef, meaning ‘God will give another son.’
13. Kaiden
The Maltese baby name Kaiden comes from the Gaelic word ‘cadain’, which means ‘battler’. It is a newer name that started being used in the US in the past century. Recently, Kaiden has become popular in European countries like Malta.
14. Kenneth
Kenneth has had a lot of success in Malta in recent years. This attractive name also has nicknames like Ken and Kenny. Its Scottish influence adds to its appeal. The Maltese baby name Kenneth has the meaning of ‘born of fire or handsome’.
15. Liam
Liam’s popularity began to increase in 1993, likely due to actor Liam Neeson from the movie ‘Schindler’s List.’ Since then, the name Liam has been rising in popularity every year. Liam is an Irish version of the name William, which means ‘brave protector’.
16. Lude
Lude, which is the Czech version of Louis, is currently very popular, especially in Malta. We believe that this classic royal name could also make a comeback in America, but to do so, people need to look beyond Lewis and Louis. The Maltese baby name Lude means a famous warrior.
17. Luis
Luis is well-known among Hispanic families for adding an interesting twist to a boring last name. The name’s popularity continues to stay strong, ensuring it will age gracefully. The Spanish version of Ludwig, Luis comes from Germanic roots and means ‘famous warrior’.
18. Luke
Luke, a shortened version of the name Lucas which means ‘man from Lucania’, is a popular choice for English-speaking parents. It is great for parents who want a relaxed and simple name for their child.
19. Marcellino
Marcellino is a Spanish version of the name Mark and it means ‘warlike’. The Maltese baby name became popular in the 1950s after being less popular than other apostle names like Paul and Peter for a while. Some well-known people with the name Marcellino include Marcellino Lucchi, an Italian motorcycle racer, and Marcellino Pipite, a former foreign minister of Vanuatu.
20. Mark
Having a name like Mark is a sure bet. It’s timeless, classic, and conveys strength and masculinity. Surprisingly, despite its origins in ancient myths, the name Mark wasn’t widely used until the 17th century. The meaning of the name Mark is ‘God of War’.
21. Matthew
The name Matthew, originating from Hebrew, is very popular in Ireland, UK, Scotland, and Malta. Even after being used for a century, the name Matthew still feels modern and fresh. The Maltese baby name means ‘gift of God.’
22. Matthias
If you feel like the name Matthew sounds old-fashioned (even though it’s not), you can consider using the more masculine and attractive version, Matthias. This variation is popular among Hispanic communities in Malta, where it ranks 15th. The name Matthias means ‘gift from God’.
23. Michael
It’s no surprise that Michael is a very common name worldwide, along with James, John, and William. It’s a classic Maltese baby name that never goes out of style and has origins in the Hebrew word ‘Mikhael’ which means ‘Who is like God?’
24. Mirko
Mirko is a name that means ‘peace and celebration’ and originally came from the name Miroslav, but now stands alone. This Maltese baby name is great for boys of all ages and is a nice alternative to names like Mark or Marcus.
25. Nathan
Nathan is a Maltese baby name from the Bible, but its origins are not well-known. The name Nathan is popular because it is simple, strong, and sounds masculine. This Maltese baby name comes from Hebrew and means ‘He has given.’
26. Parr
Parr is a rare English name that means ‘enclosure’. While it may not be commonly used as a first name, it could be a unique choice for a middle name.
27. Peter
Peter has always been a popular Maltese baby name for baby boys in Malta. The name comes from the Greek word ‘petros’, which means ‘stone or rock’. Peter is a safe option because it symbolizes strength like a rock.
28. Russell
The Maltese baby name Russell comes from an old French name, ‘rousel’, which means ‘little red one’. Originally given to people with red hair, it eventually became a prestigious name used in English-speaking countries. This name is both gentle and masculine, and has a classic yet contemporary feel.
29. Ryan
Ryan is a baby name that has become more popular as a first name rather than a last name. Ryan O’Neil was one of the first well-known people to make this name popular. Parents started choosing this name instead of more common names like Kevin and Bryan. Ryan comes from an Irish name meaning ‘little king’, so parents will really love this name.
30. Tristian
Tristian, which is a different version of Tristan, is becoming popular among trendy parents. With its unique spelling, Tristian could be a great option instead of Christian, especially if you prefer a name with the ‘an’ ending. The meaning of Tristian is ‘noise or sorrowful.’
31. Xavier
Many people, including ourselves, thought that Xavier was a name from the Bible, but it is actually a Basque name that is widely popular outside of Basque countries. Its association with the Jesuits signifies strong morals and intelligence. This Maltese baby name means ‘new house.’
32. Zachary
It is one of the few Biblical names that start with a ‘Z’ that still sounds modern, has a strong number one significance in numerology, and also has the trendy nickname Zac. The Maltese baby name Zachary means ‘God has remembered’.
Famous Maltese Baby Names For Girls With Meanings
33. Abigail
This Hebrew name, which means ‘my father is rejoicing’, has been quietly gaining popularity and is now among the top 10 names for Maltese girls. What we like most about this name is its intelligent sound and humble quality.
34. Alessia
The Maltese baby name Alessia, which is a variation of Alex, is very common and may be confused with similar names like Alyssa or Alexa. However, this does not take away from the attractiveness of the name, especially in Malta where it ranks as the eighth most popular name. This Maltese baby name means ‘defender of mankind.’
35. Angele
Angele is a common name in Malta, ranking as the ninth most popular. This name comes from the Greek word Angelos, which means ‘messenger’ or ‘one who announces’. It’s easy to see why Angel is a favorite name as it carries such a loving connotation.
36. Arianne
This gentle and elegant Maltese baby name, which means ‘extremely sacred one’, is not commonly used in America and nearby areas. Consider choosing it for your daughter before it grows in popularity.
37. Azalea
In 2012, a new flower name was added to the list of popular baby names by the Social Security Administration. It has quickly become one of the fastest growing names. If you’re looking for a unique and colorful name for your baby girl, consider this pink, spring flower as an alternative to the more common names like Rose and Lily.
38. Brooke
Brooke is now mostly seen as a name for girls, but it used to be used for both boys and girls. This Maltese baby name comes from an Old English word that means ‘brook or stream.’ We like this short, powerful name for its gentle sound.
39. Charlene
Charlene, a version of the name Charlotte, became very popular around the same time as names like Marlene and Arlene. It also has the trendy nickname option, Charlie. One famous person with the name Charlene is the American actress Charlene Tilton. The Maltese baby name Charlene means ‘free man’.
40. Claire
This French name, which means ‘clear or bright’, has consistently been popular for Maltese babies and is becoming more popular each year. We believe it is a beautiful one-syllable name that sounds lovely.
41. Daniela
The Maltese baby name Daniela is becoming more popular in Malta because of the increasing Hispanic community there. It’s a lovely, classic name that doesn’t sound too serious. Daniela is the female version of the name Daniel from the Bible, which means ‘God is my judge.’
42. Desiree
The Maltese baby name Desiree means to a calm and composed individual. The name Desire, which comes from the French word for ‘desire,’ was popular in America but is now gaining popularity in Malta. Some well-known individuals with this name include Desiree Hartsock and Desiree Goyette.
43. Easton
This trendy and fashionable Maltese baby name has been becoming more popular in Malta since Elizabeth Rohm named her daughter with it. The meaning of Easton is ‘a place facing east.’
44. Eliza
Similar to Sam, Eliza also evolved from Elizabeth but eventually became its own name. Eliza has never experienced a decrease in popularity since then. Parents in Malta also appreciate the timeless appeal of the name Eliza, which means ‘God is my oath.’
45. Fiona
The name Fiona has become increasingly popular thanks to the success of the movie Shrek, featuring the character Princess Fiona. Another factor in this rise in popularity is the singer Fiona Apple, who has won a Grammy award and helped make the name more common in the US. The Maltese baby name means ‘fair’.
46. Harriet
The Maltese baby name Harriet, which comes from the German words ‘haim’ and ‘ric’ meaning ‘estate ruler’, is the English version of Henriette. This classic name became popular again in 2014, along with its trendy nickname Harriet.
47. Isla
Isla is becoming a popular Maltese baby name in both the US and Malta. It is more popular in Malta, Scotland, Wales, and England than in the US. This could be due to its appearance in ‘Harry Potter’ or because Queen Elizabeth has a daughter named Isla. The name Isla means ‘island.’
48. Kylie
It might seem strange, but the name Kylie actually means ‘boomerang’ in the Noongar language. This Maltese baby name gained popularity thanks to Kylie Minogue, and continues to be trendy due to Kylie Jenner. While it fell out of fashion for a while, it is now making a comeback.
49. Leanne
Leanne is a name from the mid-20th century that was created by combining Leigh and Anne. Interestingly, neither of these names seem outdated. Therefore, Leanne would be a good choice for your daughter.
50. Lia
This Maltese baby name from Italy that means tired, sounds similar to the original but looks nicer, especially when written down. In the Old Testament, Leah was Jacob’s first wife.
51. Maria
In Malta, the use of Latin names is common, as seen in the popularity of the name Maria ranking fourth for baby names. Maria is a name that pays tribute to the Virgin Mary and is also the feminine form of the Old Roman name Marius, which means ‘sea’. Another option similar to Maria is the name Mariah, which is just slightly less popular.
52. Monica
This Maltese baby name became well-known because of St. Augustine’s mother, but it gained popularity when it was linked to the Latin word ‘monere’ which means ‘to warn or advise’. This name has been commonly used globally, including in Malta.
53. Nicole
Nicole is a fashionable but classic name from Malta. It is a girl’s version of the name Nicholas, which means ‘winning against the people.’ The name’s sophistication and grace make it a great choice for parents who want a timeless name that is not too common. The nicknames Niki and Nicky make it ideal for girls who prefer a more tomboyish style.
54. Orsel
If you’ve always liked the name Ursula for your daughter but were concerned about its association with the witch in ‘The Little Mermaid’, you could consider choosing the Maltese baby name Orsel instead. Orsel is a variation of Ursula and means ‘little female bear’. It also has a more contemporary feel compared to Ursula.
55. Palma
A popular Latin name in Malta, Palma has both a geographical and botanical origin. It would be a beautiful choice for girls born on Palm Sunday, as it means ‘palm’ in Latin and is also the name of a city in Majorca, Spain.
56. Rianne
If you’re looking for a fun version of the name Rhiannon, you could choose Rianne, which is a Welsh name that means ‘divine queen’. This Maltese baby name comes from a Celtic story about a strong-willed woman named Rhiannon who was engaged to a prince named Pwyll. Rianne could also be a more unique option compared to the name Rihanna.
57. Roxanne
The French version of the Greek name Roxana comes from a Persian word that means ‘dawn’. While this name has fluctuated in popularity in different countries, it hasn’t gained much traction in Malta. The potential nickname Roxy is also worth considering.
58. Sabrina
Initially, Sabrina was a character in Celtic mythology. However, it became more well-known in real life because of Audrey Hepburn’s character in the movie ‘Sabrina.’ The Maltese baby name Sabrina means ‘River Severn.’
59. Sam
Sam, which comes from Samantha, has become a popular name on its own. With its increasing popularity, we may see more people named Sam, especially in Malta. The name Sam has a meaning of being recommended by God.
60. Sarah
It’s surprising to think that a name like Sarah, which sounds modern, is actually one of the oldest names around. The fact that this name has remained popular for so long is truly remarkable. Only a few names have stayed as popular as Sarah. This charming Maltese baby name means ‘princess’.
61. Selene
The Maltese baby name Selene, which means ‘moon goddess’, is associated with the Greek mythological figure who represents the moon. This name is also connected to the word ‘selas’, which means light. Selene Luna, a well-known Mexican actress, is one of the notable individuals with this name.
62. Sophie
Sophie is the French version of the name Sophia, but it’s not as popular, which makes it unique and impressive. It’s brief, catchy, and has a more positive feel. This lovely Maltese baby name means intelligence or good judgement.
63. Tamyra
Tamyra, which is a variation of the Biblical name Tamar, meaning ‘palm tree’, was derived from the original name Tamara. Although the original form of the name has become less popular, the variation Tamyra is still a beautiful option today.
64. Thwayya
Thwayya, which means ‘star’ in Arabic, is just as well-liked as the name Stella is in other countries. This distinct name has a touch of exoticism and will surely make your daughter stand out.
65. Zainab
The Maltese baby name Zainab, derived from Arabic and meaning ‘beautiful’, is popular among Muslims in Malta. In Islamic scripture, Zainab was the granddaughter and wife of the Prophet Muhammad, adding to its appeal among Muslims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maltese baby names are very popular and blend tradition with a modern twist. Names like Dean, Luis, Brooke, and Kylie are appealing and may seem exotic. Look through this list and pick a name you love for your baby, whether it’s common or unique. It’s also worth mentioning that some well-known figures and TV characters have Maltese names or use them for their characters.
