The Meaning and Origin of Tabone

The surname Tabone is a well-known Maltese family name with possible links to both Sicily and Arabic language roots. It has been carried by influential figures in Maltese history and continues to be widely used today. Let’s take a closer look at what this name means and where it comes from.

What Does “Tabone” Mean?

The origin of the surname Tabone is uncertain, but there are two main ideas:

It may come from the Arabic word ṭābūna, which refers to a traditional clay oven used for baking bread. This suggests the name may have been linked to baking or oven-making in the past.

Another possibility is that it comes from the Sicilian word tabbuni, a nickname meaning “foolish” or “silly.” In medieval times, surnames often came from nicknames based on personality or appearance.

Where Did the Name Come From?

Tabone is believed to have originated in Sicily and later became established in Malta, where it is now considered one of the more traditional Maltese surnames. The name has been recorded in Malta for several centuries and appears in early census records and historical documents.

Notable Individuals with the Name Tabone

Ċensu Tabone (1913–2012) served as the fourth President of Malta from 1989 to 1994. He was also a respected ophthalmologist and politician.

Clemente Tabone (c.1575–1665) was a landowner known for defending Malta during the 1614 Ottoman raid and for building the historic St Clement’s Chapel in Żejtun.

#MaltaDaily

Badge source: il-lokal