What’s in a name? A lot, apparently, when it comes to the name Attard. It is the second most common name in Gozo and ninth most common name in Malta, as well as being the name of one of the Three Villages in the heart of the island of Malta.

What many people may not know is that a common name is Malta or Gozo is really, really common! The 2011 census revealed that the top ten surnames (of 19,104) in Malta make up 25 per cent of the population, while the top 25 family names cover 44 per cent of the population.

No wonder we got curious ! Here's a closer look at the name Attard: what does it mean, where does it come from, where do Attards hail from on the island and which people by this name have truly made a name for themselves?

English pronunciation guide

This is probably one of the easiest Maltese names to pronounce. Just read it as it is, you’re bound to get it right.

What is the origin of this surname?

Attard is one of the oldest names recorded on the Maltese Islands and the earliest of church records in any spelling come from Malta. The family name was first recorded in church certificates in the marriage between Joseph Paul Attard and Maria Camilleri on 25 November 1745. However, historical accounts from the 1600s mention a Maltese architect and engineer of the Knights by the name Attard. The Maltese variant likely derives from the Italian Attardo or Attardi, which in turn are thought to derive from the Roman (Latin) 'Atticus', itself a derivation from the Ancient Greek 'Athens'. Interestingly, variations of the name are found in every Mediterranean country.

What does 'Attard' mean?

Attard seems to be a topographic name, meaning it is derived from a place. Whether this was Athens in Greece or Atti in Italy, it is quite amusing that Malta has its very own place by the same name.

Where you’re most likely to find an Attard in Malta

No, Attard is not the locality you’re most likely to find people with the surname Attard! Nearby Birkirkara is, with six per cent of the people with that family name hailing from this town, followed closely by Zebbug. You’ll also find Attards living in Victoria (Gozo), Mosta, Qormi, Xaghra, Fgura, Zabbar… and finally, Attard and San Gwann! Attard has less than three per cent of the islands’ Attards living there.

Five Famous Attards

Giovanni Attard (c.1570–1636) was Maltese architect, military engineer and stone carver known for his role in the construction of the Wignacourt Aqueduct (1610-1615).

Gillian Attard is a Maltese actress, singer, television personality and a vocal coach.

Charlene Attard, born 1987, represented Malta at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing at the 100 metres sprint.

Norbert Attard, a Maltese darts player who competed in the Mediterranean Cup Open reaching the final as one of sixteen.

Norbert Francis Attard, born 1951, is a Maltese multi-disciplinary artist known for his painting, printing, sculpture, video and photography. His works have been displayed in various exhibitions worldwide.

Do you know any Attards?