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Micallef is a Maltese surname. It has been recorded in Malta since ancient times, and its origins probably lie in the name Micali, a variant of Michael (in Hebrew, Michael means "Who is like God?"). However, another possible derivation for the surname is the Maltese word "mħallef", which means 'judge', and thus its origin is not certain. This surname is found in various Medieval records, normally as Makluffi. Prior to the late 15th century, most people bearing this surname were of the Jewish faith.
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Recorded in over two hundred spellings, some examples of which are shown below, this is a European medieval surname of crusader, but ultimately biblical origins. Deriving from the ancient Hebrew name Michael (meaning "Who is like God?"), it was introduced from the Holy Land by returning warriors from the various Crusades from the twelfth century on. During the period of Christian revival at this time, the name rapidly became established as one of the most popular baptismal names, and within a generation as one of the earliest surnames. Part of this popularity was due to the conviction that the name was originally the war cry of the archangel in his defeat of Satan.
A large range of spellings have developed in every Christian country of the Western Hemisphere. These spellings include Michael (England), Mitchell (Scotland), Miell Miall, Mitchel, Micheau and Michel (France), Michele and Micheli (Italy), Miguel (Portugal and Spain), Miell and Michal (Poland), Michel (Hungary); with diminutives Michelet, Michelin (France), Mische, Mish, Misisch and Miscke (Germany), Michalik and Mielnik (Poland), Michaley (Czech), Miko (Hungary); and patronymics such as Michaelson, Mikkelson, Mikhalkov, Michaeliewicz, and many more.
- Antonio Micallef (1867-1940) Maltese musician and composer[1]
- Andrew Micallef (born 1969), Maltese painter and musician
- Corrado Micalef (born 1961), Canadian hockey goaltender
- Ian Micallef (born 1969), Maltese politician
- John Micallef (1923–2003), Maltese philosopher
- Luciano Micallef (born 1954), Maltese artist
- Richard Micallef (born 1989), Maltese musician, member of Firelight
- Roxanne Micallef (born 1997), Maltese footballer
- Shaun Micallef (born 1962), Australian comedian
- Tarki Micallef (born 1961), Welsh footballer
- Joseph R. Micallef (born 1956), Maltese judge
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