Mallory is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Mallorie or Malorie, which is believed to have originated from the Old Irish word "mál" meaning "strength". The name Mallory has been predominantly used as a masculine name in Ireland, but it gained popularity as a unisex name in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century.
The name Mallory first appeared in English literature in the 16th century, where it was used as a surname. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that Mallory started to be used as a given name for both boys and girls. The popularity of the name Mallory can be attributed to its strong sound and unique spelling, which makes it stand out among other names.
One notable figure associated with the name Mallory is the famous English poet Thomas Malory, who wrote "Le Morte d'Arthur," a compilation of the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Although there is no evidence that Thomas Malory's name was actually Mallory, it is possible that his surname inspired the given name Mallory.
Today, Mallory continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and unique name for their child. Its Irish origins add an element of cultural richness and historical significance to the name, making it appealing to those interested in Celtic heritage or mythology. Despite its traditionally masculine roots, Mallory is now predominantly used as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, with its popularity peak in the United States during the 1990s.
In conclusion, Mallory is an Irish-derived given name that has evolved from its traditional usage as a masculine surname to become a unisex name with a strong and captivating sound. Its historical ties to notable figures like Thomas Malory add an additional layer of intrigue and interest to this unique name.
The name Mallory experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Initially, it started with a low of 5 births per year from 1938 to 1941, then surged to highs of 689 births in 1983 and 2039 births in 1985. However, since the late 1980s, its popularity has been declining steadily, with only 713 births recorded in 2023. Overall, Mallory has had a total of 57444 births from 1938 to 2023.