Surname Maloy - Meaning and Origin

Maloy: What does the surname Maloy mean?

The last name Maloy is of Irish origin and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Maolmhuaidh", which means "descendant of Maolmhuaidh". The personal name Maolmhuaidh derives from the components "maol" meaning 'devotee' and "muaidh" which stands for 'noble, good'. Therefore, the entire surname might signify 'descendant of the devotee of the noble or good one'. This kind of naming pattern was common in Ireland, where surnames usually begun with "Ó" or "Mac" to denote son of or descendant of, followed by the personal name or nickname of the original bearer. Like many Irish surnames, variations can occur, and the name can be spelled in different ways including Malloy and Molloy.

Maloy: Where does the name Maloy come from?

The surname Maloy is of Irish origin, specifically from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Íosa," meaning "son of the devotee of Jesus". This surname was first found in the Northern Irish counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan, where the clan was a part of the Cenél nEógain (Clann Owen) tribe.

As a result of migration, the Maloy surname is now common in many parts of the world, especially in countries where Irish diaspora settled like the United States and Australia. It is fairly prevalent in the northeastern states particularly New York and Massachusetts due to the mass Irish immigration during the 19th century's Great Famine. The spelling variations of Malloy, Molloy, and Mulloy are also seen. However, it still remains common in its place of origin, Ireland, especially in the northern region.

Variations of the surname Maloy

The surname Maloy is primarily of Irish origin. It was often anglicized from other more traditional Irish names that may differ significantly in spelling. The most common root of Maloy in Irish Gaelic is Ó Máille, translated as “descendants of the noble chief”.

Variants may include:

1. O'Malley: This is the most direct Anglicization of the Irish Ó Máille. This variant is more common than Maloy in Ireland.

2. Malley: Similar to the above, but without the 'O' prefix.

3. Mailey: An anglicized form of O'Maley used primarily in Ulster.

4. Mahley: Another variant spelling of the name.

5. Mayle: This variant is commonly found in English-speaking countries.

6. Mally: A rare variant of Malley, it was more commonly found in former British colonies.

7. Mealey: Mealey is another Anglicization of Ó Máille, though less common than the others.

8. Molly: While primarily a first name, this is sometimes used as a phonetic spelling for Maloy.

All these variants stem from the same root, and are hence of the same origin as Maloy.

Famous people with the name Maloy

• Sean Maloy: Television and Screenwriter
• Molly Maloy: Singer/Songwriter
• Edward Maloy: Actor
• David Maloy: Actor
• Jimmy Maloy: Actor
• Jack Maloy: Musician
• Joe Maloy: Beach Volleyball Player
• Geoff Maloy: Drummer
• Scott Maloy: Artist
• Bernie Maloy: Musician
• Dennis Maloy: Musician
• Terry Maloy: Drummer
• Robert Maloy: Actor and Producer
• Jim Maloy: Singer and Musician
• Patrick Maloy: Actor
• Mike Maloy: Soccer Player
• John Maloy: PGA Golfer
• Don Maloy: Basketball Player
• James Maloy: NFL Player
• Maureen Maloy: Author
• Marcellus Maloy: Journalist and Activist
• Matthew Maloy: Engineer
• Whitney Maloy: Former VH1 Executive
• Jordan Maloy: Host and Actor
• Thomas Maloy: Hockey Player
• Kaitlyn Maloy: Musician
• Ryan Maloy: Musician
• Kelly Maloy: Visual Artist
• Nick Maloy: Musician and Producer
• Alexander Maloy: Musician

Other surnames

MaloMaloanMalomedMalomedickMalonMaloneMaloneyMalonneMalonyMaloonMalotMalottMalotte