Mellis (surname)

The surname Mellis has several possible origins. It can be:

• Scottish: A reduced form of MacMellis, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Maoil Íosa, meaning "son of the servant of Jesus." Mael Íosa was a personal name very common in the Middle Ages.

• English: A variant of Millis, which itself is a patronymic form of Mill, a short form of the personal name Miles, which derives from the Latin miles, meaning "soldier."

• Continental European (possibly Greek): Derived from a personal name, possibly related to Greek melissa meaning "bee" or "honeybee." This origin is less common but possible.

The distribution of the surname Mellis is relatively widespread, with notable populations in Scotland, England, and other parts of the English-speaking world due to migration. Records of the name appear in historical documents related to these regions. Genealogical research is often required to determine the specific origin of a family bearing the Mellis surname.