What does Mallory mean and where does it come from?
Mallory comes from the Old French 'malheure', which means 'unfortunate' or 'ill-fated'. The name was historically used as a surname before becoming popular as a first name in the 20th century. It has a certain vintage charm and has been notably used in literature and popular culture.
Cultural significance
Mallory has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of unfortunate.
Peak popularity
Reached #83 in 1986 — currently #431 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mallory?
Mallory works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mallory Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mallory Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mallory Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mallory Claire
French influence · crisp
Mallory Jane
Literary · strong
Mallory Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mallory right now?
Rising fast — up 102 spots — currently #431 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #431 | 716 | ▲ up 102 · +23% births |
| 2022 | #533 | 583 | ▲ up 16 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #549 | 556 | ▲ up 19 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #568 | 515 | ▼ down 176 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #392 | 836 | ▼ down 111 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #281 | 1,173 | ▼ down 62 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #219 | 1,585 | ▼ down 6 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #213 | 1,466 | ▼ down 35 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #178 | 1,695 | ▼ down 16 · -5% births |
| 1990 | #162 | 1,782 | ▼ down 18 · -13% births |
| 1985 | #144 | 2,038 | ▲ up 4237 · +11888% births |
| 1980 | #4381 | 17 | ▼ down 1743 · -41% births |
| 1975 | #2638 | 29 | ▲ up 710 · +53% births |
| 1970 | #3348 | 19 | ▼ down 266 · +12% births |
| 1965 | #3082 | 17 | — |
The story of Mallory
Mallory entered American naming records in 1938 and has been in use for over 86 years. Its peak popularity was #83 in 1986. A total of 56,658 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4854 in 1945 to #431 in 2023. Mallory is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mallory in 1986:
Mallory by decade
Mallory peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 22 | |
| 1920s | 71 | |
| 1930s | 73 | |
| 1940s | 250 | |
| 1950s | 448 | |
| 1960s | 381 | |
| 1970s | 422 | |
| 1980s | 15,240 | |
| 1990s ★ | 16,560 | |
| 2000s | 14,372 | |
| 2010s | 8,304 | |
| 2020s | 515 | |
What are good nicknames for Mallory?
What names sound and feel like Mallory?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mallory also consider these
Common questions about the name Mallory
What does the name Mallory mean?
Mallory means "unfortunate" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mallory?
Mallory is currently ranked #431 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mallory have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mallory?
Mallory originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Mallory?
Mallory is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 L ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Mallory?
Mallory pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.