After a few days in Malta you’re likely to have picked up on the fact that certain names are quite common across the local population. Like the Smiths and Jones of the UK, some Maltese surnames appear again and again. In fact, an incredible 25 per cent of locals share just 10 surnames in total.

Camilleri is one of those surnames and, in fact, is the second most-common from the list (which also includes Borg, Vella, Farrugia, Zammit, Galea, Micallef, Grech, Attard, Spiteri and Azzopardi).

Pronunciation

Come-ill-é-ree

History

The name itself is likely to have one of two origins. On the one hand, it is said to trace back to Sicily, with links to the medieval Latin word ‘camelarius’ – or camel driver. On the other, though, it could also be of Spanish heritage, and relate to the Spanish words ‘camilla’, which means stretcher, and ‘camillero’ which means stretcher-bearer. While not much is known about the first option, we do know that, historically, the Camilleri surname can be tracked back to the Catholic Crusades, around the 11th century. The Spanish camilleros probably moved to Italy over time, at which point the ‘o’ would have been changed to an ‘i’ – thus giving us the Camilleri we know today.

Camilleri: The Famous

Given that it’s such a prevalent name on the island, it’s no surprise that there are some very well-known Camilleris out there. These include:

Carina Camilleri

Wife of hairdresser Pierre Camille and mum to TV presenter Ben Camille and footballer Dale Camilleri, Carina Camilleri is also renowned as one of Malta’s top stylists. Famed for her outspoken approach, Carina is often found in the front row of Malta’s best fashion shows and is also a well-known animal activist. She would probably argue that one of her greatest achievements is also one of her most recent: becoming nanna to beautiful baby Elle (also Camilleri).

Thomas Camilleri

Having started acting when he was just a child, Thomas went on to have a busy career in the UK, where he performed in a number of top touring West End shows, including Les Miserables and Legally Blonde. Having returned to Malta a few years ago, he is now considered among the island’s best acting talents, with recent hits including playing Mozart in Amadeus and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat. He is also a member of the popular comedy troupe, the Comedy Knights.

Antoine Camilleri

This well known local artist made a lasting impact on the development of Maltese modern and contemporary art, and he worked in oils, lino prints, clay and objet trouvé. He is particularly celebrated for his self-portraits. He died in 2005.

Charles Camilleri

Born in Hamrun, Charles was one of Malta’s best-known composers, and most of his work was based on folk music and legends. His most celebrated works include Malta Suite, Maltese Dances, A Maltese Overture - Din l-Art Helwa, operas in Maltese, a ballet based on the Knights of Malta and the oratorio Pawlu ta' Malta. He died in 2009 at the age of 77.

BONUS:

Probably the most famous Camilleri in recent history is author Andrea Camilleri, but he isn’t Maltese. Born in Italy, he is the author of best sellers including La Stagione della Caccia (The Hunting Season) and La forma dell'Acqua – and he went on to become a TV and theatre director too.