Mallory is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Mallorie or Mallery, which itself is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Muirghealla, meaning "of the bright sea." The name Mallory has been used as both a boys' and girls' name in recent years, but it was traditionally given to boys.
The first recorded use of the name Mallory as a given name for boys appears to be in Scotland during the 13th century. However, it wasn't until much later that it began to be used more frequently. In the United States, Mallory became particularly popular during the mid-20th century, with its usage peaking between the 1950s and the 1970s.
Despite its Scottish origins and historical use as a boys' name, Mallory has become increasingly popular as a girls' name in recent years. This shift may be due to its unique sound and spelling, which set it apart from more traditional names for girls. Additionally, some parents may choose the name Mallory because they are drawn to its meaning of "bright sea," perhaps seeing it as a metaphor for intelligence or depth.
Overall, Mallory is a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich history. Its Scottish origins and unique meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their child. Whether used for a boy or a girl, Mallory is sure to stand out from the crowd.
The name Mallory has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest data available starts from 1914, with only 5 babies named Mallory that year. This number fluctuated quite a bit in the following decades, ranging from as low as 5 births per year to as high as 32 births in 1971.
The name seemed to gain some traction between 1946 and 1959, with a noticeable increase in popularity. The peak of Mallory's popularity was in 1948 when it reached an all-time high of 23 births that year. This popularity persisted until the late 1950s but then started to decline gradually.
From the 1960s onwards, the number of babies named Mallory stabilized around a lower range, typically between 6 to 20 births per year. There was another brief spike in popularity during the mid-1980s, with peaks in 1985 (21 births), 1986 (23 births), and 1987 (25 births).
However, since the early 1990s, Mallory has seen a steady decline in its popularity. In recent years, specifically from 1996 to 2023, only around 6 to 13 babies per year have been named Mallory.
In total, over the course of a century (from 1914 to 2023), there have been approximately 1100 births registered with the name Mallory in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Mallory remains a unique and distinctive name that has managed to maintain some level of presence throughout history.