Malone
Meaning of Malone
Malone is a unisex given name rooted in Gaelic heritage, emerging as the Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Maoil Eoin—literally “descendant of the devotee of Saint John.” Historically concentrated in counties such as Westmeath and Monaghan, this appellation denoted familial ties to ecclesiastical patronage and local devotional practice. In contemporary Anglo-American contexts, Malone has transitioned from surname to forename, reflecting a broader cultural inclination toward surname-derived personal names. Its adoption in the United States has been modest yet steady since the 1990s, consistently ranking between the 850th and 950th most popular names, with annual occurrences typically in the single to low double digits. The name’s sparse usage imparts an aura of distinction, while its unisex status aligns with modern gender-neutral naming trends. Notable bearers of the surname include Karl Malone, the American basketball luminary, whose prominence subtly reinforces associations with strength and resilience.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as muh-LOHN (/məˈləʊn/)
English
- Pronunced as muh-LOHN (/məˈloʊn/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Malone
| Malone M. Harmon - |
