I really do like the name [name_f]Mallory[/name_f] but it means " unfortunate " on most name meanings I’ve found …
Should this deter us from using it ??
Would you still use a name you liked that meant something negative ?
I wouldn’t let it stop me from using it, nobody knows name meanings anyways (other than “name nerds” which you aren’t going to come across very often in real life). I have known a handful of [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]'s in my life and never once wondered or knew what the meaning was. I love the name [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]!
[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] was one of my fave names for a girl. I came across the meaning and to be honest it totally put me off. I’d just think of it every time I’d look at her. I wish I didn’t let it bother me but it does 
I’d go ahead and use it.
If it’s meaningful to you, I’d still use it. There are nickname options ([name_f]Lory[/name_f], [name_u]Rory[/name_u], [name_f]Molly[/name_f], etc) if she feels uncomfortable with the meaning.
With the spelling [name_f]Malory[/name_f], it also has a literary connection ([name_m]Thomas[/name_m] [name_f]Malory[/name_f] wrote one of the best-known versions of the Arthurian legends ), so you could focus on that association with creativity, mythology, chivalry, magic etc
I have a difficult time w/any name beginning w/[name_u]Mal[/name_u]- because I know that in [name_m]French[/name_m] “mal” means “bad.” It’s unfortunate, as there are some really pretty names ([name_f]Malia[/name_f], [name_f]Malinda[/name_f], [name_f]Malissa[/name_f]) that begin w/[name_u]Mal[/name_u], but I know I would think about “bad” if I ever used any of the [name_u]Mal[/name_u]-names.
This is one name I always get a negative vibe from. “[name_u]Mal[/name_u]” is a negative prefix and literally means “bad” or “wrong” in Spanish. Think of words like mallice, malnutrition, or maleficent. Personally, I just can’t get on board with it.
No one will notice unless you tell them.
Many names have bad meanings but still get popular -
[name_f]Mia[/name_f] #6 = Bitter
[name_f]Emily[/name_f] #12 = Rival
[name_f]Leah[/name_f] #40 = Weary
[name_u]Kennedy[/name_u] #58 = Misshapen head
So overall yes to [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]
I’ve never really thought much about the name [name_f]Mallory[/name_f], but now that you mention it, I really like it. It’s unusual but doesn’t sound “weird”, it has a similar sound to other popular names but still has an edge. Plus it has great nickname potential!
If you’re not [name_m]French[/name_m] or Spanish, where you have the “mal” connotations others have mentioned, I think you should use it. [name_m]Plenty[/name_m] of names have negative connotations but it’s up the individual to make the name!
If your daughter goes on to love [name_m]French[/name_m] or Spanish, she could always use a nickname or middle name.
I just feel I should say that I would be very unhappy if my name meant “unfortunate”. The name you choose will be your child’s label for life, so let it be a positive one. Previous posters insist that others won’t know the meaning, but at one point or another she will find out, and it’s her who has to bear the name.
What would you say to [name_u]Hilary[/name_u] or [name_u]Ellery[/name_u] (“cheerful”) instead?
Thanks for this perspective - I keep thinking about it, and definitely think you have a point! [name_u]Hilary[/name_u] and [name_u]Ellery[/name_u] are both lovely too.
I would rather have a cool name like [name_f]Mallory[/name_f], than not a great name only because it has a better meaning. Also the ‘mal’ beginning is not really a problem. There are many names that start with [name_u]Mal[/name_u] ([name_f]Malena[/name_f], [name_f]Malu[/name_f], [name_m]Malachi[/name_m], [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m]) and they are just normal names. [name_f]Mary[/name_f]/[name_f]Marie[/name_f]/[name_f]Maria[/name_f] means bitter and it is one of the most used names worldwide. If you like the name and can look past the meaning, I would use it.
I really think it’s fine. You can have your own meaning or story to tell her about why you picked that name. You could also try to use a middle that undoes the meaning. For example, something that would mean defender of the unfortunate, helper of the unfortunate, defeater/conqueror of unfortunate circumstances, overcoming misfortune, lifting up misfortune etc.
[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] [name_f]Minette[/name_f] could mean unfortunates faithful defender
[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] [name_f]Araminta[/name_f]
[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] [name_f]Victoria[/name_f]
Another similar sounding name is [name_f]Valerie[/name_f] = “strength, health”
Personally, I associate [name_f]Mallory[/name_f] with “bad” or “evil” because of the Italian word male, or bad. (Especially because the Mallorys I know go by the nn [name_u]Mal[/name_u])
[name_u]Hillary[/name_u]/[name_u]Hilary[/name_u], [name_u]Ellery[/name_u], and [name_f]Valerie[/name_f] all seem like better alternatives to me.
I don’t think [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]'s etymology matters. I’m surprised to see so many encouraging you not to use it. People outside of baby name forums rarely fixate on what a name “means.”
It’s a pretty name, with a melodious sound, but I personally wouldn’t use it. Mostly because I’m in the healthcare profession and the prefix [name_u]Mal[/name_u]- is associated with illness or something bad…malady, malodorous, malcontent, malignancy, maladaptive, maligned, maleficient etc.
Thank you all for your feedback on the name … I still do really like it I’m going too think of some more middle names that could soften the negative conotation … I defintely prefer the [name_f]Malory[/name_f] spelling of it and the link too the Arthurian legends is lovely . I do like the idea of [name_f]Malory[/name_f] valentine but as we have a double barrell last name I’m thinking sonething shorter for the middle … the Dh now likes the name [name_f]Marin[/name_f] also ”