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Mallory

Girl name · 15 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Mallory: 15 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 2025.

Mallory started as a Norman French surname, derived from the Old French *maloret* or *malauré*, meaning “unfortunate” or “ill-omened” – though its modern vibe is anything but. The most famous historical bearer is Sir Thomas Malory, the 15th-century English writer who compiled the Arthurian legends in *Le Morte d'Arthur*. In the United States, Mallory became a given name for girls in the 20th century, boosted by the character Mallory Keaton on the 1980s sitcom *Family Ties*. No major places are named after a Mallory, but the name shares its root with the word “malady,” reinforcing its original meaning. A notable variant is Mallory, sometimes spelled Mallary, though the traditional form remains the most popular.