Popularity
30
/100
At a glance
Mallory is a girl name with Old French roots, most associated with the idea of unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor.
Meaning
Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor
Origin
Old French
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
MAL-or-ee
Name story
What Mallory communicates
Mallory is a girl name of Old French origin meaning "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced MAL-or-ee and sits at a popularity score of 30/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Mallory feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Old French heritage or its core idea of "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Mallory
- MMallory Keaton (Family Ties)
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Mallory
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mallory mean?
The name Mallory means "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor". It is a name of Old French origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Old French naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Mallory.
What is the origin of the name Mallory?
Mallory originates from Old French. Names of Old French origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Mallory fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Mallory a popular name?
Mallory appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Mallory sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Mallory?
Names similar to Mallory include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Mallory but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Old French heritage or the same idea of "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor".
How do you pronounce Mallory?
Mallory is pronounced "MAL-or-ee". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Mallory is said.
Is Mallory a boy or a girl name?
Mallory is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Old French roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Mallory symbolize?
The name Mallory symbolizes "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor". That theme gives Mallory a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Mallory a good baby name?
Mallory is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Unlucky, ill-fated, mailed armor", has clear Old French heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.