New & now
Marigwann or Shazalaya? 28 interesting Maltese names through the ages
Of forgotten names and tongue-twisters

Jillian Mallia

Like any other nation, Malta has evolved over time, and so have aspects like culture, cuisine and ideologies. Another thing that's changed? Maltese names. Here are some interesting (to say the least) Maltese names that have emerged over the years.

maltese names

The People of Malta / Facebook

Traditional Maltese male names

1. Zaren

2. Ruzar

3. Gomu

4. Awgustu

5. Kalanc

6. Cikku

7. Gawdenz

Traditional Maltese female names

1. Zeppa

2. Gerit

3. Marigwann

4. Filomena

5. Manann

6. Genoveffa

7. Ubaldeska

Original right? But wait til you hear what the modern names sound like. 

Modern Maltese male names

1. Dnegel - obvs.

2. Clevage - yes, he's out there.

3. Liberat - meaning 'freed' in Maltese.

4. Neymar - an obvious choice for a footie fan.

5. Lele - meaning ‘no no’ in Maltese.

6. Klinsmann - and he's famous, too!

7. Greizmann - another footie-inspired choice.

Modern Maltese female names

1. Shazalaya - sounds musical, doesn't it?

2. Donessica - the result when mama and papa merge their names.

3. Aynat - Tanya backwards.

4. Xemx - sun in Maltese.

5. Azalea - some celebrity inspo.

6. Zashielle - honestly, can't even.

7. Saga - this girl might be of a dramatic disposition later in life...

Do you have other names to add to the list? Let us know!

26th March 2019


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
The lampuka, the Maltese name for the popular dolphin fish, (also known as dorado or mahi-mahi), has been a staple on local tables for generations at this time of year.

Sarah Muscat Azzopardi
New & now

Emma Galea
New & now
New & now
Despite its name, volcanic ash is very different from the soft ash produced by a fire.

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
The two young dancers delivered a series of strong performances across the Ballroom and Latin categories!

Lyndsey Grima