Malej

Malej is a proper noun that may refer to several distinct uses in European contexts. In onomastics, it is most commonly encountered as a surname in Central Europe. The origin is debated; etymological theories point to a derivation from a Slavic root meaning small or young, or to a diminutive form linked to a given name. The form without diacritics reflects historical transcription in multilingual regions such as Bohemia, Slovakia, or Poland, where border contacts and migration shaped surname forms.

As a surname, Malej is relatively uncommon and tends to be localized to specific communities. It appears in genealogical and civil records in Czech and Slovak areas, with occasional instances in neighboring countries due to migration or diaspora.

In other uses, "Malej" has appeared as a toponym or as a component in place names in some Slavic-language areas, though it is not widely used as a standalone geographic name in current maps.

Notable people: There are no widely recognized individuals with this surname in major reference works.

See also: Related surnames and toponyms include Malý, Mały, and similar variants in Slavic naming traditions.