Surname O'Malley - Meaning and Origin

O'Malley: What does the surname O'Malley mean?

The last name O'Malley is an Irish surname that has roots in the ancient Gaelic name Ó Maoileidigh. The literal translation of the Gaelic is “descendant of Maolleideach.” This was the name of a chieftain or nobleman in medieval times whose clans held power over different parts of Galway and Mayo in the west of Ireland. As a result, the O'Malley name has historical and cultural significance in the region.

The O'Malley surname is respected and revered as a noble name with strong Celtic heritage. In Irish culture, the O’Malley family were known for having displayed courage, tenacity, and fearlessness against the English forces. They were renowned for their sailing prowess which had helped them ply the Atlantic in search of trade opportunities and new lands.

The O’Malley family were known to have had a hand in the infamous “Grain Riots” in Ireland during the Great Famine of the 19th century. The bravery and courage of the O’Malley clan during these tumultuous times made them a symbol of power and resistance throughout the island.

In modern times, the O’Malley surname has spread far and wide throughout the world. Different individuals of this clan hold important positions in different parts of the globe, helping to spread the legacy of their noble and courageous ancestors.

O'Malley: Where does the name O'Malley come from?

The last name O'Malley is most commonly found today amongst Irish-American families, particularly those who live in the United States. It is recorded that there are close to 100,000 individuals with the surname O'Malley living in the United States.

The name is believed to have originated in County Mayo, Ireland, and many people with the name can still be found in the area and the surrounding counties. In Ireland, it is one of the top 100 surnames and over 80,000 people still carry the name.

The O'Malley surname is also relatively widespread in Britain, particularly in London and surrounding towns and villages. It is thought that many people with the surname settled in Britain during the 19th century in search of work. It is estimated that around 10,000 people still carry the name in Britain.

Outside of Ireland and Britain, the O'Malley surname is not particularly common, but can be found in certain parts of North and South America. It is recorded that there are close to 1,000 people with the name in Canada, and up to 4,000 in Brazil.

Overall, the name O'Malley is an Irish-American name and is most prevalent amongst families in the United States, Ireland and Britain. The name is not particularly widespread outside of these countries, but can still be found in certain parts of the world such as Canada and Brazil.

Variations of the surname O'Malley

The surname O’Malley is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Ó Maolmhuaidh", which translates to "descendant of Maolmhuaidh", thought to be derived from the male personal name "Maol Mhuadha".

Variants of O’Malley can include O’Malley, O Malley, O Muller, O Mullally and O Mulally. The O’Malley crest is "a dexter hand pointing a cross crosslet, fitchy".

Alternate spellings of the surname may include MacMalley, Malley, Malloy, Mulally, Mullally, O’Mally, O Mally, Mueller, Mulloy, Maloe and Muloin.

Other surnames with the same origin would include Athy, Carthy (Ó Carthaigh), Cullen (Ó Cuilleain), Dowle (Ó Dubhlaoich), Fallon (Ó Fallamhain), Kealy (Ó Céalaigh), Keane (Ó Catháin), Mullin (Ó Maoláin), Reily (Ó Raghallaigh), Sheehan (Ó Síodhna) and O'Connor (Ó Conchobhair).

These surnames are all anglicised versions of their original Gaelic forms but are all medicines from the same origin. The surname O'Malley has seen many variants over the years, and is the most well known of them all, due to its influence in Irish culture and literature.

Famous people with the name O'Malley

• Martin O'Malley: Former Governor of Maryland and 2016 United States Democratic Presidential Candidate.
• Daniel O'Malley: Science Fiction/Fantasy Author.
• Cal O'Malley: Former National Football League player and currently Color Commentary Announcer for the New York Jets.
• Martin P. O'Malley: Senior Partner of the Law firm Hand Baldachin and Amburgey, LLP.
• Seamus O'Malley: Irish Politician and Member of the European Parliament.
• Kevin O'Malley: Children's Author and Illustrator.
• Kristin O'Malley: former NBA Basketball Player.
• Dan O'Malley: American Country Music Singer-Songwriter
• Meaghan O'Malley: Writer, Performer, Activist.
• Michael O'Malley: Actor best known for his role on the television series "Glee".
• Tim O'Malley: Politician, currently serving as government Minister in Ireland.
• Thomas Patrick O'Malley: CEO of DIAGEO.
• Chris O'Malley: Retired Major League Baseball Player.
• Sean O'Malley: Professional Mixed Martial Artist currently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
• Katie O'Malley: Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals.
• Bridget O'Malley: Founder and President of the Green Manufacturing Alliance.
• David O'Malley: Actor, Director, and Voice Over Artist.
• Bryan O'Malley: Creator of the Scott Pilgrim comics and graphic novel series.
• Patrick O'Malley: Actor known for his roles on CSI: New York and Boardwalk Empire.
• Michael O'Malley III: Actor, Writer, and Producer.

Other surnames

O'MallieO'Mallons