Mallory is a name that has been around for centuries. It is of Old French origin and means “unfortunate” or “unlucky.” Despite its negative meaning, the name Mallory has become increasingly popular as a first name for girls in the United States. According to BabyNames.com, the name Mallory is ranked 998 in popularity for baby girls in 2023.
The name Mallory has an interesting history. It was commonly used as a surname in England until the French developed its negative meaning. However, the name has now become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and modern name for their baby girl. Mallory is a name that has a certain charm to it, with its three-syllable sound and slightly tomboyish edge. It is no wonder that it has become a favorite among parents in recent years.
If you are considering naming your baby girl Mallory, it is important to understand the meaning and history of the name. With its French origin and negative meaning, it may not be the right choice for everyone. However, if you are drawn to its unique sound and charm, it may be the perfect name for your little one.
Etymology of Mallory
Mallory is a name that has a French origin. The name was created as a nickname for the French word “malheure,” which means misfortune or unhappy. Despite its negative meaning, the name has become increasingly popular as a first name for girls in the United States.
According to Mom Loves Best, the name Mallory was first used as a surname in England during the 13th century. It was derived from the Old French word “malheure,” meaning unhappy or unfortunate. Over time, the name became popular as a first name for girls in the United States.
The name Mallory has been used in popular culture, including in the American sitcom Family Ties, which aired from 1982 to 1989. The character Mallory Keaton, played by actress Justine Bateman, was known for her fashion sense and ditzy personality. The popularity of the show helped to boost the name’s popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Mallory has declined somewhat, but it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and feminine name for their daughter. Some popular variations of the name include Malorie, Malory, and Malloree.
Historical Origin of Mallory
Mallory is a name with a rich history and various meanings. The name originated as a surname in England during the medieval period. It was derived from the Old French word “malheure,” which means “unhappy” or “unfortunate.” The name was given to someone who was known for their bad luck or unhappy disposition.
Over time, the name Mallory became more common as a first name for girls in the United States. It first gained popularity in the 1980s due to the American sitcom Family Ties, which featured a character named Mallory. Despite its negative meaning, the name has remained popular in the US, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The name Mallory has also been associated with various other meanings and origins. For example, in Irish, it is derived from the Gaelic name “Ó Mallairígh,” which means “unlucky.” In German, the name means “army counselor.”
In addition to its use as a first name, the name Mallory has been used in various other contexts. For example, Mallory is the name of a mountain in the Himalayas, which is famous for being one of the highest peaks in the world. The name has also been used in literature and popular culture, such as in the book Mallory Towers by Enid Blyton and the character Mallory Knox in the movie Natural Born Killers.
Overall, Mallory is a name with a fascinating history and various meanings. Whether you choose to use it as a first name or in another context, it is sure to make a lasting impression.
Popularity of Mallory
Mallory is a name that has been gaining popularity over the years. In this section, we will explore the popularity of Mallory in the United States and worldwide.
Popularity in the United States
According to the Social Security Administration, Mallory was the 192nd most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020. It has been steadily rising in popularity since the 1980s, reaching its peak in 1991 when it was the 93rd most popular name for baby girls.
Here is a table showing the popularity of Mallory in the United States over the past decade:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 259 |
| 2012 | 246 |
| 2013 | 236 |
| 2014 | 228 |
| 2015 | 222 |
| 2016 | 222 |
| 2017 | 212 |
| 2018 | 201 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2020 | 192 |
Popularity Worldwide
Mallory is a name that is also popular outside of the United States. It is particularly popular in Canada, where it was the 100th most popular name for baby girls in 2020. In the United Kingdom, it was the 357th most popular name for baby girls in 2020.
Here is a list of countries where Mallory is a popular name:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
In conclusion, Mallory is a name that has been steadily rising in popularity over the years. It is a popular name in many countries around the world and is a great choice for parents looking for a unique and beautiful name for their baby girl.
Famous People Named Mallory
Mallory is a name that has been given to several notable individuals throughout history. Here are a few famous people named Mallory:
-
Mallory Hagan: An American beauty pageant titleholder and actress. She is best known for winning the Miss America pageant in 2013. Hagan has also appeared in several television shows and movies, including “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
-
Mallory Pugh: An American soccer player who has played for the U.S. women’s national team. Pugh began her professional career in 2017 with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She has also played for the Portland Thorns FC and the Sky Blue FC.
-
Mallory Knox: A British rock band formed in 2009. The band consists of Mikey Chapman (vocals), Joe Savins (guitar), Sam Douglas (bass), and Dave Rawling (drums). Mallory Knox has released several albums and singles, including “Wired,” “Signals,” and “Better Off Without You.”
-
Mallory Ortberg: An American author, editor, and illustrator. Ortberg is best known for her work as a co-founder of the website The Toast and as a writer for Slate. She has also written several books, including “Texts from Jane Eyre” and “The Merry Spinster.”
-
Mallory Jansen: An Australian actress. Jansen is best known for her roles in the television shows “Galavant” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” She has also appeared in several movies, including “Blinder” and “Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
These are just a few examples of famous people who have been named Mallory. The name has been used across a variety of fields, including entertainment, sports, and literature.
Variations of Mallory
The name Mallory has several variations, each with its own unique spelling and pronunciation. Here are some of the most common variations of the name:
-
Malorie: This variation of Mallory is a popular alternative spelling. It is pronounced as ma-LOR-ee and has the same meaning as the original name.
-
Malory: This spelling is similar to the original name and is pronounced as MAHL-uh-ree. It is a popular variation of the name and has been used for many years.
-
Malloree: This spelling of Mallory is pronounced as ma-LOR-ee and is a less common variation of the name.
-
Mallorie: This spelling is pronounced as ma-LOR-ee and is a popular alternative to the original name.
-
Mallori: This spelling is pronounced as ma-LOR-ee and is a unique variation of the name.
-
Mallary: This spelling of Mallory is pronounced as MAL-uh-ree and is a less common variation of the name.
Each of these variations has a similar meaning to the original name, which is “unfortunate” or “unlucky.” They are all popular choices for parents who want to give their child a unique and meaningful name.
Overall, Mallory and its variations are beautiful and timeless names with a rich history and meaning.
Mallory in Different Languages
The name Mallory has French origins, but it also goes by several different names in various nations. Here are some of the variations of the name Mallory in different languages:
- French: Mallory means “unfortunate person” and was created as a nickname for the French word “malheure,” meaning misfortune. It was traditionally a male name but has recently been popularized as a female name.
- German: In German, Mallory means “Army counselor” and has both male and female variations.
- Spanish: In Spanish, the name Mallory is spelled the same as the English version but pronounced differently. It is pronounced “mah-yoh-ree.”
- Italian: In Italian, the name Mallory is spelled “Malori” and pronounced “mah-loh-ree.”
- Russian: In Russian, the name Mallory is spelled “Мэллори” and pronounced “mehl-oh-ree.”
It is interesting to note that while the name Mallory has different variations in different languages, the meaning behind it remains the same – “unfortunate person.” Despite this negative connotation, the name has remained popular throughout the years and continues to be used in many different cultures.
Overall, the name Mallory is a unique and interesting name with a rich history and meaning. Whether you choose to name your child Mallory or one of its variations, it is sure to be a name that will stand out and be remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mallory mean in Greek?
Mallory does not have a meaning in Greek. It is a name of French origin that means “an unfortunate person.”
What does the name Malorie mean for a girl?
Malorie is a variant spelling of Mallory. It is also a name of French origin that means “an unfortunate person.”
Is Mallory a good name?
The goodness of a name is subjective and varies from person to person. However, Mallory is a unique and uncommon name that has gained popularity in recent years.
What is the popularity of the name Mallory?
According to the Social Security Administration, Mallory was the 358th most popular name for girls in 2021. Its popularity has been declining since its peak in the 1990s.
What does Mallory mean in Irish?
Mallory does not have a meaning in Irish. It is a name of French origin that means “an unfortunate person.”
What is the biblical meaning of the name Mallory?
Mallory does not have a biblical meaning as it is not a name of biblical origin.