Malley

Malley is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic O'Maille, meaning "descendant of Maol." The name is predominantly found in the west of Ireland, particularly in County Mayo.

The O'Maille family were an influential Gaelic clan in medieval Ireland, with strong connections to the sea and maritime activities. They were noted as seafarers and traders, with a reputation for bravery and resilience.

Over time, the name O'Maille evolved into various anglicised forms, including Malley, O'Malley, and Mailey. Many bearers of the surname Malley can trace their ancestry back to the O'Maille clan, connecting them to a rich heritage of Irish history and culture.

Today, individuals with the surname Malley can be found across the United Kingdom and beyond, with many descendants of Irish immigrants carrying on the legacy of this ancient and esteemed family name.

There are approximately 1,426 people named Malley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,586th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Malley.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Stephen
  • Steven
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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