It's official: Borg is the most common surname in Malta, according to data gathered during the last census carried out in November. It is followed by Camilleri, Vella and Farrugia in that order.

A total of 11,440 surnames were recorded in the census, representing an average of 35 persons for every surname, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

It was found that 9,507 persons, or 2.4 per cent of the population, carry double-barrelled surnames. But there are 3,882 different double-barrel surnames - 34 per cent of all surnames.

Preliminary results show that 13,169 persons, or 3.3 per cent of the population, 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. A total of 1,366, or 10.4 per cent of all persons bearing this surname, reside in Birkirkara.

Camilleri, the second most common surname, is borne by 12,643 persons, or 3.1 per cent of the population. The town with the highest concentration of Camilleris is Mosta, which is home to 784, or 6.2 per cent of all individuals who bear this surname.

Vella comes in third, with 11,785, or 2.9 per cent of the population. People with this surname are mainly found in the northern part of Malta and in Gozo - 4,314 individuals, or 36.6 per cent, of the total Vella population.

Mellieha is the town with the highest concentration of Vellas, with 801, or 6.8 per cent of all persons who carry this surname.

Farrugia is most frequently encountered in the southern districts. Placing fourth in ranking, it is the most common surname in the 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.