Summary

The surname O'Malley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ó Máille meaning 'descendant of Máille'. The O'Malleys were a powerful seafaring dynasty who held territories along the west coast of Ireland. Known for their maritime prowess, they were leaders and chieftains in their region.
There are
17588
Omalleys in the USA
Omalley is the
2046th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Omalley

GraceO'Malley

Grace O'Malley (c. 1530–c. 1603), also known as Gráinne Mhaol, was a 16th-century Irish pirate queen and a leader in the fight against the English in Ireland.

EdO'Malley

Ed O'Malley is an American politician and the CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center. He has been involved in various leadership and community development initiatives in Kansas.

MelissaO'Malley

Melissa O'Malley is a renowned pastry chef and the owner of a popular bakery in New York City. She has won multiple awards for her innovative dessert creations.

MichaelO'Malley

Michael O'Malley is a professor of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is known for his research on social stratification and inequality.

MollyO'Malley

Molly O'Malley is an accomplished violinist and a member of a renowned symphony orchestra. She has performed in prestigious concert halls around the world.

FrankO'Malley

Frank O'Malley is a famous comedian known for his hilarious stand-up performances and appearances on popular talk shows.

KatieO'Malley

Katie O'Malley is a successful businesswoman and the founder of a technology startup that has gained recognition for its innovative products.

PatrickO'Malley

Patrick O'Malley is a professional athlete who has represented his country in multiple international sports competitions.

NoraO'Malley

Nora O'Malley is an acclaimed author known for her captivating novels that explore themes of love, loss, and identity.

SeanO'Malley

Sean O'Malley is a professional mixed martial artist who has achieved great success in the sport and has a large fan following.

Omalley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'O'Malley' is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Máille,' meaning 'descendant of Máille.' The name Máille was a common Irish female name meaning 'noble,' 'praiseworthy,' or 'great.' The O'Malley clan was a prominent Irish clan in County Mayo.
Geographic DistributionThe name 'O'Malley' is primarily associated with Ireland, particularly County Mayo, where the O'Malley clan originated. However, due to migration and diaspora, people with the surname can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'O'Malley' include 'Malley,' 'Malloy,' 'Mallory,' 'O'Malley,' 'Cummings,' 'Mcmanus,' 'Walsh,' 'Gallagher,' and 'Cassidy.' These variations may have resulted from different spellings or anglicizations of the original Gaelic name.
Migration and ImmigrationDuring the Irish diaspora in the 19th and early 20th centuries, many people with the surname 'O'Malley' emigrated from Ireland to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. They sought better economic opportunities and escaped the hardships of the Great Famine and political unrest in Ireland.