What is the most common surname in Malta?

Borg is the most common surname in Malta (2011 Census). It derives from the Semitic word for "tower". The top 10 surnames — Borg, Camilleri, Vella, Farrugia, Zammit, Galea, Micallef, Grech, Attard and Spiteri — account for about 25% of the population.

What language do people speak in Malta?

Malta has two official languages: Maltese (Malti) and English. Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin script — a unique fusion of Arabic, Sicilian Italian and English. English is widely spoken and understood across the islands.

Language · Heritage · Identity

Malta Culture

Malta's culture is a unique blend of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Knights and British influence — visible in its language, surnames, architecture and festivals. This section covers the factual, data-backed cultural layers.

11 surnames · 2011 Census

Most Common Maltese Surnames

The top 11 surnames in Malta with language origins, etymologies and population share. Borg, Camilleri, Vella, Farrugia and the rest — reflecting Arabic, Sicilian, Greek and Norman layers.

11Surnames ranked

31 phrases · 5 categories · Pronunciation guide

Useful Maltese Phrases

Essential Maltese for visitors: greetings, courtesy, getting around and local colour — with phonetic pronunciation for English speakers. Plus a key to the Maltese alphabet's special characters.

31Phrases + pronunciation

Malta's cultural layers

Maltese is the only Semitic language written entirely in the Latin script — a linguistic fossil of the Arabic spoken during Arab rule (870–1091 AD). Subsequent Norman, Sicilian, Aragonese and Knights-era influence gave Malta its Romance overlay; British colonialism (1800–1964) embedded English. The result is a language — and a surname pool — unlike anywhere else in Europe.

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