Mallory is an old English name that originated as a male given name. It comes from the Old French word “malori”, meaning “unfortunate” or “unhappy”. The name Mallory has been used for both males and females over the years, though it was originally a male name.
The name Mallory first became popular in the 13th century, during the Middle Ages. It was common for names with religious meanings to become popular during this time period. While the literal meaning of Mallory is “unfortunate”, it also carried connotations of martyrdom and sacrifice that would have appealed to medieval Christians.
For centuries, Mallory was used almost exclusively for males. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name began gaining popularity for girls as well. This was likely due to the name’s fashionable old-world charm and its softer “ee” ending.
Today, Mallory is still used for both sexes but is far more common for females. For women and girls, the name Mallory is seen as strong yet feminine, traditional yet timeless. It still carries hints of its medieval origins but feels fresh and modern. The name Mallory also has connections to places, like Mallory Square in Key West, Florida, which may appeal to nature and travel lovers.
Why Choose The Name Mallory
Mallory has a timeless elegance that will never go out of style. The name has Celtic origins, deriving from the word “mael” meaning “chief” and “ore” meaning “sea.” So Mallory literally means “sea chief,” which is a strong and powerful name for your daughter. The name Mallory has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years, showing that many parents agree it is a name with lasting appeal.
Your daughter will share her name with notable women throughout history, such as explorer Mallory Everton, the first woman to walk solo across Antarctica. Author Mallory Pike, the acclaimed writer of children’s books. And actress Mallory Beed, the star of the hit comedy movies from the 1980s. These Mallorys have demonstrated independence, creativity, and a sense of adventure – all qualities you likely hope to inspire in your own daughter.
The name Mallory is also easy to pronounce and spell, so your daughter will not have to deal with mispronunciations or misspellings throughout her life. With just 7 letters, the name is simple yet elegant.
Nicknames
Some of the best nicknames for Mallory include Mal, Mally, Lori, Ally, Rory, and Mo. Or, if you’re looking to make her laugh, you have to try calling her “Mallorynator” – I’m sure she’d get a kick out of that one! 🙂
| Meaning | Unhappy, unfortunate |
| Origin | English |
| Other versions | Mal, Molly |
| Pronunciation | MAL-UH-REE |
| Famous Mallorys | Mallory Beed, Mallory Edens, Mallory Hagan |
| Mood | Sad, tragic, dark |
Interesting Facts
- Mallory Hagan was the first African American to win Miss America in 2013.
- Mallory may have a sad meaning, but the name is believed to bring fortune to its wearer.
