Surname Mally - Meaning and Origin
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Mally: What does the surname Mally mean?
The last name Mally comes from the German word mal, which means “poor” or “need”. The name likely came about as a way to identify people who were struggling financially or had limited resources. The name is most common in Germany and Switzerland, where it first arose, but it is also found in other parts of Europe, such as England, Norway, and Sweden.
The Mally family likely originated among the lower classes of society, as an identifier for those who were struggling the most and in greatest need of assistance or resources. However, many of the early members of this family found ways to better their situation through education, hard work, and business savvy. Over time, the Mally family members accumulated wealth and prestige and moved up in the social hierarchy.
The Mally family name is also quite popular in the United States, owing to its presence in the early waves of European migrants who traveled to America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mallys are now common in both the United States and Europe, and can be found among many different social classes.
The Mally family name is thus a reminder of both the humble origins of this family, and their progress in society over the centuries. It is a name that is both distinct and indicative of the family’s determination and strength.
Order DNA origin analysisMally: Where does the name Mally come from?
Today, the last name Mally is most commonly found in North America, specifically in the United States. Within the US, the name is mainly concentrated in the Midwest. According to a recent survey, the states with the highest number of Mallys are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and California.
The origin of the surname Mally is unclear, but some suspect it may be derived from the Old French mauli, which was a term used to describe one’s poor physical condition. The name might also be linked to the German name Möhle, meaning a miller or an individual who operated a grain mill.
There is also evidence that suggests the Mally family is of German (Bavarian) origins. Families with the name likely first settled in Wisconsin in the early 1700s, and the Mallys were among the earliest German settlers in the state. Over the years, the family has spread to other states in the US, with many Mallys living in Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota.
The Mally family is one of the oldest German-American families in the Midwest, and their name is still quite common today. Despite the many generations that have passed, the Mallys still proudly share their heritage with others, and many still live in the same areas as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Mally
The surname Mally has a variety of variants and spellings. There are at least two prominent variations of spelling and a handful of additional spellings, as well as several other names that are connected to Mally.
One of the most commonly seen variations of Mally is Maley. This differs from the original spelling in that the 'a' is replaced with an 'e', resulting in M-E-L-E-Y. This spelling is largely seen in Ireland, particularly those from the West-Midlands region.
Manley is another variant, and is the most prevalent spelling in England, as well as Australia and America. This variation has an 'n' in the middle rather than an 'l'. This spelling of the surname is found throughout the English-speaking world.
Other common variants and spellings include Mallay, Mallo, Molly, Mollay, Mullay, Mullee and Malloy. Many of these surnames are found in the eastern U.S., including Irish-American communities.
The name Malloch is unrelated to Mally, though in some cases the two have become confused. This is due to the similar pronunciation. The two are largely found in Scotland with Malloch usually being found more in the Western Highlands and Mally throughout the rest.
The surname Malley can also be used in place of Mally, perhaps due to the evolution of the name being passed down through generations. In some cases, this too has been confused with Malloch.
Other surnames related to the Mally surname are Mallery, Malry, O'Malley, O'Mallee and O'Mally, which are found throughout Irish and Scottish communities in North America.
Famous people with the name Mally
- Frank Mally: German politician, former State Secretary, Free Democratic Party
- Thomas Mally: American investment banker, financial executive, consultant
- Simon Mally: Israeli sculptor
- Tiana Mally: American entrepreneur, former personal development coach
- Stephen Mally: American political pollster
- Joan Mally: American journalist, producer and broadcaster
- Lou Mally: American film director
- Paul Mally: German actor, musical artist and voice actor
- Andy Mally: American television producer, writer, director and editor
- Dan Mally: American television producer and director