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WATCH: X’Kunjomok? Lovin Malta’s New TikTok Series Unpacks The Island’s Most Popular Surnames

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From rare oddities to overly common repetitions, Malta is full of very colourful surnames. But where do they come from, and what can they tell us about where we came from?

One of Lovin Malta’s latest TikTok series does just that, and we’ve already looked at everything from Borg to Siracusa.

Over the course of six episodes launched soon after the start of 2021, X’Kunjomok has looked at a number of Maltese surnames and their roots.

From different countries and regions to birds and crops, so many places, faces and things have inspired the surnames we use every day, and Lovin Malta’s Dave and Ricky are here to walk you through some of the most popular ones.

And yes, before anyone asks, there’s Grech in there. And yes, it’s Greek. Happy? OK, let’s go.

1. Surnames that originated in other countries

Some of these are a little bit more obvious than others (I wonder where ENGLAND came from?), but others, not so much.

For example, did you know where Gauci comes from? Not too far away from the mainland, it turns out.

2. Surnames inspired by their bearers’ professions

From judgemental Micallefs to noble Attards, there’s a lot to unpack here.

Others are even cheekier… like Imbroll and Briguglio.

3. Surnames fresh off the field

From small onions to pungent garlic, the island’s crops have inspired some of the most popular surnames in Malta.

You might have heard the one about Psaila… but what about Zahra and Calleja?

4. Surnames with wings

Chickens? Roosters? Cocks?

They’re all here ladies and gentlemen.

5. Surnames from the Animal Kingdom

Forget where you grew up, because your surname might be straight out of the wild.

From one-year-old lambs to giraffes and camel riders, Malta has a lot of surnames derived from animals, and while some of them have very clear Arabic roots, all of them can now never be unheard or unseen. You’re welcome.

6. Surnames about food… or what happens after you eat

Eating too much? You might be a Grasso. But don’t go on too strict of a diet though, because you might end up being a Magro. Basically, it’s all about Mangion.

Confused? Don’t worry, just watch this.

Tag someone who has one of these surnames and follow Lovin Malta’s TikTok account for more!

READ NEXT: WATCH: This Maltese TikToker's Viral Pranks On His Short-Tempered Dad Are Equal Parts Hilarious And NSFW

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).

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