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 has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century, according to annual birth statistics in the United States.
From 1938 to 1960, Mallory was given to an average of about 20 babies per year. The number of births peaked at 34 in 1949 but dropped to as low as 14 in 1960.
However, starting from the mid-1960s, there was a notable increase in the usage of Mallory. Between 1965 and 1982, the number of babies named Mallory grew steadily, with peaks reaching up to 45 births in 1982.
The name reached its zenith between 1983 and 1987, with over a thousand babies being named Mallory each year. The peak was reached in 1986 when 3325 newborns were given the name Mallory.
However, like many other names that experience significant popularity surges, Mallory's usage began to decline after this period. By 1990, the number of births had dropped back down to around 2000 per year, and continued to decrease throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite this overall downward trend in popularity, Mallory remains a well-established name in America, with several hundred babies still being named Mallory each year. As of 2022, around 713 newborns were given this name.
In conclusion, while Mallory has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the past century, it remains a widely used and recognized name in the United States today.