Malte

Malte is a male first name that likely has its origins in Denmark and is considered a medieval short form of the Germanic name Helmwald as well as its variants Helmold and Helmolt.

What does the name Malte mean?

The name Malte likely originates from Denmark and is a medieval short form of the Germanic name Helmwald as well as its variants Helmold and Helmolt. It is composed of the Old High German elements helm, meaning "helmet" or "protection," and waltan, which means "to rule" or "to govern." This results in the meaning "the protector and ruler" or "the protective ruler." Malte is not only widespread in Denmark and Sweden but also in Germany. The publication of the novel "The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge" by Rainer Maria Rilke in 1910 contributed to the name's popularity in Germany. Since the 1980s, Malte has enjoyed particular popularity, especially in Northern Germany. A Danish variant of the name is Malthe.

Where does the name Malte come from?

The first name Malte has Old High German roots and means something like "the protector and ruler" or "the protective ruler." The word components consist of helm, meaning "helmet" or "protection," and waltan, meaning "to rule" or "to govern." The name is widespread in various languages such as Old English, Danish, German, Northern German, Nordic, Swedish, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Malte?

The pronunciation of Malte is clear and two-syllable. In German, the name is usually pronounced as "Mal-te" [ˈmaltə], starting with an open "a" that conveys a wide sound. The gentle ending on "-te" provides a harmonious sound. Malte exudes a Nordic, straightforward note and appears down-to-earth, modern, and present.

When is the name day of Malte?

The name day of Malte is celebrated on November 28.

Popularity

In Germany, Malte is among the most popular first names. Currently, it ranks 112th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 1994, reaching 24th place. In the last ten years, Malte has been given as a first name about 7,400 times, which earned it 103rd place in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 107th. There is also a certain popularity of the name internationally.

Nicknames & pet names

Alt / Alte / Bemalt / Bobo / DonMaldi / Hasilein / Häschen / LaMale / Ma / Malde / Maldi / Maldinchen / Maldini / Malk / Malle / Malli / Malme / Malt / Malta / Maltaner / Maltanski / Maltar / Maltebaer / Malteechen / Malteki / Malteline / Maltemäuschen / Malten / Malterfalter / Maltesel / Malteser / Maltestelle / Maltete / Malteviç / Malti / Maltichen / Maltimore / Maltine / Maltinho / Maltini / Maltino / Maltinovic / Maltiser / Maltissimo / Maltoe / Maltor / Maltrose / Maltsche / Maltus / Maltö / Maltü / Maltüte / Maly / Malzbier / Malzi / Malzkäse / Malzo / Marf / Matte / Matäus / Maulwurf / Mauw / Memme / Molde / Molte / Motte / Mull / Mältem / Mälzer / Obervolta / OvoMaltine / Plapa / Spalte / Vitamalt / Walta / Walte / Walze / Waran

Famous people

• Hannes Malte Mahler (artist from Germany)
• Jan Malte Metzelder (German football player)
• Malta (island nation in the Mediterranean)
• Malte Buchholz (German football player)
• Malte Burba (musician from Germany)
• Malte Dürrschnabel (German jazz musician)
• Malte Fröhlich (German footballer)
• Malte Giesen (German composer)
• Malte Grashoff (German football player)
• Malte Hossenfelder (German philosopher and Latinist)
• Malte Hoyer (German singer)
• Malte Jaeger (German actor)
• Malte Kaluza (German physicist)
• Malte Ludin (German film director)
• Malte Michael Faber (economist)
• Malte Mohr (pole vaulter)
• Malte Moos (footballer from Germany)
• Malte Müller-Wrede (writer from Germany)
• Malte Persson (Swedish writer)
• Malte Petzel (German actor)