In the census carried out last November it emerged that there is a total of 11,440 surnames, representing an average of 35 people for every surname. It was found that 9,507 people, or 2.4 per cent of the population carry double-barrel surnames. Double-barrel surnames totalled 3,882 or 34.0 per cent of all surnames.

Borg is the most common surname in Malta

Preliminary results show that 13,169 persons, or 3.3 per cent, bear the surname Borg. This surname is most prevalent in the Northern Harbour and Western Districts, where 7,319 persons, or 4.2 per cent of residents in these two districts, carry this surname. On a locality basis, 1,366, or 10.4 per cent of all persons bearing this surname, reside in Birkirkara.

Camilleri is the second most popular surname

There are 12,643 persons, or 3.1 per cent of the population who carry this surname. Most Camilleris reside in Mosta with a total of 784, or 6.2 per cent of all individuals who bear this surname.

Vella is concentrated mostly in the northern part of Malta and Gozo

Vella comes third place with 11,785, or 2.9 per cent of the enumerated population. Of these, 4,314 individuals, or 36.6 per cent, are living in the Northern District and Gozo. On a locality level, most Vellas reside in Mellieha with a total of 801, or 6.8 per cent of all persons who carry this surname.

Farrugia most common in the southern districts

Farrugia, placing fourth in ranking, is the most common surname in Southern Harbour and South Eastern Districts, where a total of 5,266 persons, or 3.7 per cent of the population residing there, bear this surname.

The census of population and housing was taken on Sunday 27 November 2005 in terms of the Census Act of 1948. The information contained should be considered as provisional and is subject to revision when the final results are known. The first final results are expected to be published between November 2006 and April 2007.