Do you pronounce the Irish variant Malachy different than the Malachi that is more commonly used in the US?
I pronounce Malachi “mal-uh-kye” and the Irish Malachy “mal-ack-ee” or “mal-a-key”, but I’m not sure if that is the general consensus on them. It would be used as a middle name, so I’m not as worried about pronunciation, but still.
Secondly, I prefer Malachy, but now I can’t help but see the words “mal” and “achy” and feel like that gives a negative connotation to the name? Am I totally overthinking?
[name_m]Malachy[/name_m] has the ‘Mal a key’ pronunciation which feels more melodic and lilting.
Honestly I think you’re overthinking the breakdown of the name. I appreciate that ‘Mal’ is Spanish for bad then achy is when your aching but most wouldn’t break the name up in that sense. [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] also in Ireland/Scotland gets shortened to [name_f]Malky[/name_f] which takes away the negative word connotations.
I do prefer [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] as I appreciate the biblical connotations, the more angelic meaning and the nickname [name_u]Kai[/name_u].
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I’d pronounce it Mal-uh-kee. I like the sound and think it makes a great middle!
I can see the potential negative connotations of mal + achy but I tend to see it as a whole, and it doesn’t feel bad to me
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I also prefer the Biblical association with [name_m]Malachi[/name_m], but prefer the sound and look (with the first name we would pair it with) of [name_m]Malachy[/name_m]. [name_f]Do[/name_f] they truly have different meanings because I’m confused on that. Nameberry has a different meaning under [name_m]Malachy[/name_m], but then on the [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] page it acts that [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] means the same thing?
So does [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] really mean “second” or could we also use the Biblical meaning of it?
Also agree that [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] has good nickname options, as well. But I have one friend who has a son named [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] and another who has a son named [name_u]Kai[/name_u], so [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] would also be putting a little distance between those.
So [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] as far as I’m aware means second however [name_m]Malachy[/name_m] is also considered a variant of [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] so I think you can go with the ‘messenger’ meaning! I get about what the distinction from your friends but I wouldn’t allow this to weigh heavily on you. I lost out on one of my favourite names because of a friend I don’t speak to anymore due to similar reasons. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though I love my daughter’s name I’m sad I didn’t use my original favourite name. So if you prefer the associations and qualities of [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] I wouldn’t not use it because of a friend.
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[name_u]True[/name_u]! They aren’t people I actually see in person often… or ever really. 
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[name_m]Hi[/name_m] there.
[name_f]My[/name_f] seven year old nephew is [name_m]Malachy[/name_m]! We live in the Midwest U.S., & people get his name wrong all of the time. It’s said Mal-uh-key, & even if people are told the pronunciation, they still have a hard time & want to say Mal-uh-kai. But if you’re only using it as a mn, it’s not a big deal. I think it’s charming & spunky & unique. I’ve never thought of Mal-achy before, but if it bothers you maybe you should do a different middle name all together. Because [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] said Mal-uh-key is a little more confusing.
Anyway, hope my rambling helps. 
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