Malherbe Surname

The surname Malherbe is a name with a rich history and a strong presence in various countries around the world. With a total of 23,460 incidences globally, it is a surname that has spread far and wide. In this article, we will explore the origins, meanings, and distribution of the surname Malherbe in different countries.

Origins of the Surname Malherbe

The surname Malherbe has French origins and is derived from the Old French word "mal," meaning bad or ill, and "herbe," meaning herb. The combination of these two words could have various meanings, including someone who lived near a field of bad herbs or a healer who used herbal remedies.

French Connection

France has the highest incidence of the surname Malherbe, with 5,069 occurrences. This is not surprising given the French origin of the name. The Malherbe family has a long history in France, with prominent members who were poets, writers, and scholars.

South African Presence

South Africa also has a significant number of Malherbe families, with 8,779 incidences. The name likely arrived in South Africa during the French Huguenot migration in the late 17th century. Many Huguenots settled in the Western Cape region, where the name Malherbe became established.

Belgian and Swiss Variations

Belgium and Switzerland have 1,136 and 324 incidences of the surname Malherbe, respectively. The name may have spread to these countries through French influence or migration.

Meanings of the Surname Malherbe

The surname Malherbe has several possible meanings, depending on its origins and context. It could refer to someone who lived near a field of bad herbs, a healer, or even a nickname for someone with a bad reputation.

Healing History

The combination of "mal" and "herbe" in the surname Malherbe suggests a connection to herbal medicine or healing practices. It is possible that the name originally belonged to someone who was known for their knowledge of herbs and their healing properties.

Geographic Significance

The surname Malherbe could also have a geographical significance, indicating where the original bearers of the name lived or worked. The presence of "herbe" in the name suggests a rural setting or a location with an abundance of herbs.

Distribution of the Surname Malherbe

The surname Malherbe is widely distributed across the globe, with significant populations in countries like the United States, the Netherlands, and England. While some countries have fewer incidences of the name, it is still a recognizable and prominent surname.

American Influence

The United States has 166 occurrences of the surname Malherbe, reflecting its diverse population and immigrant history. The name may have arrived in the US through French settlers or immigrants seeking a new life in America.

Dutch and English Presence

The Netherlands and England have 156 and 134 incidences of the surname Malherbe, respectively. The name likely found its way to these countries through historical connections with France or through migration patterns.

Global Reach

Countries like Australia, Canada, and Mauritius also have significant numbers of Malherbe families, with 63, 65, and 45 incidences, respectively. The name has truly made its mark in different parts of the world. Overall, the surname Malherbe is a name with a long and diverse history, spanning different countries and cultures. Its origins in France, along with its spread to other parts of the world, have made it a recognizable and significant surname. Whether as a healer, a herbalist, or a person with a bad reputation, the name Malherbe holds a variety of meanings and connections for those who bear it.

The surname Malherbe within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens in the case of Malherbe, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of people because of the surname Malherbe is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Malherbe surname

View Malherbe surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Malherbe in the world, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we could understand tangible amount of people using the surname Malherbe, to acquire in this way the complete information of all the Malherbe that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not merely in which the surname Malherbe comes from, but also in excatly what way the folks who are initially an element of the family that bears the surname Malherbe have moved and moved. In the same manner, you are able to see by which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Malherbe is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Malherbe worldwide

  1. South Africa South Africa (8779)
  2. France France (5069)
  3. Belgium Belgium (1136)
  4. Switzerland Switzerland (324)
  5. United States United States (166)
  6. Netherlands Netherlands (156)
  7. England England (134)
  8. Canada Canada (65)
  9. Australia Australia (63)
  10. Mauritius Mauritius (45)
  11. Indonesia Indonesia (39)
  12. Germany Germany (34)
  13. French Polynesia French Polynesia (31)
  14. Denmark Denmark (23)
  15. Brazil Brazil (17)
  16. Botswana Botswana (17)
  17. Argentina Argentina (15)
  18. Mexico Mexico (13)
  19. Namibia Namibia (9)
  20. New Zealand New Zealand (8)
  21. Scotland Scotland (7)
  22. Luxembourg Luxembourg (6)
  23. Haiti Haiti (5)
  24. Morocco Morocco (4)
  25. Sweden Sweden (4)
  26. Tunisia Tunisia (4)
  27. Finland Finland (4)
  28. Italy Italy (3)
  29. Cuba Cuba (3)
  30. Spain Spain (3)
  31. South Korea South Korea (2)
  32. Chile Chile (2)
  33. China China (2)
  34. Russia Russia (2)
  35. Ecuador Ecuador (2)
  36. Thailand Thailand (2)
  37. Ireland Ireland (1)
  38. India India (1)
  39. Iraq Iraq (1)
  40. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (1)
  41. Kenya Kenya (1)
  42. Austria Austria (1)
  43. Monaco Monaco (1)
  44. Burkina Faso Burkina Faso (1)
  45. Montenegro Montenegro (1)
  46. Benin Benin (1)
  47. New Caledonia New Caledonia (1)
  48. Nigeria Nigeria (1)
  49. Colombia Colombia (1)
  50. Qatar Qatar (1)
  51. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  52. Singapore Singapore (1)
  53. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (1)
  54. Senegal Senegal (1)
  55. Taiwan Taiwan (1)
  56. Uruguay Uruguay (1)
  57. Wales Wales (1)