Molloy

Origin and Meaning: Molloy is a surname of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Maolmhuaidh," meaning 'descendant of Maolmhuaidh,' with "Maolmhuaidh" possibly signifying a noble warrior.

History: The name Molloy is associated with the province of Connacht in Ireland, particularly in counties Roscommon and Offaly. The Molloy clan were historically part of the ruling O'Connors in the 12th century.

Distribution: The Molloy surname is prevalent in Ireland and is also found among the Irish diaspora. In the United Kingdom, individuals with the surname Molloy are primarily concentrated in England and Scotland.

Notable People:

  • John Molloy (1855-1908): Irish nationalist politician and Member of Parliament.
  • Angela Molloy (b. 1982): British artist known for her modernist paintings.
  • Paul Molloy (b. 1969): Scottish musician and lead singer of the indie rock band Marmalade.

Coat of Arms: The Molloy coat of arms features symbols like lions, swords, and a chevron, reflecting themes of bravery and strength.

Genealogy: The Molloy surname has a rich genealogical history, with some families tracing their lineage back to prominent Irish chieftains. Genealogy records and DNA testing have helped individuals of Molloy descent discover more about their family roots.

Modern Significance: In contemporary society, individuals with the surname Molloy continue to contribute to various fields such as politics, arts, and academia.

References:

  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Dublin, Irish Academic Press, 1989.
  • Burke, Sir Bernard. The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. London, Harrison & Sons, 1884.

There are approximately 9,566 people named Molloy in the UK. That makes it the 967th most common surname in Britain. Around 147 in a million people in Britain are named Molloy.

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.