Maloney

Maloney is a surname of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Maoldhamhnaigh," which means "son of Maoldhamhnach," a personal name composed of "Maoldhamhnach," a form of the name Maoldhamhnaigh, and the grammatical particle "Ó," meaning "descendant of" or "originally from." In reference to the Gaelic name, "Maoldhamhnach" is thought to be derived from the personal name Maoldhamhnaigh, also known as Melachy or Melach, with the meaning "devoted to Saint Mochamhnáin," a church dedicated to Saint Mochamhnáin at Drogheda. Historically, the name originated in the province of Leinster in Ireland.

The name evolved over time, and by the 19th century, the spelling had been anglicized to Maloney. The Maloney family was prominent in Ireland and played a significant role in Irish history, particularly during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Some notable individuals bearing the name include Martin Maloney, a 17th-century Anglo-Norman Irish Chieftain; Henry Maloney, a 19th-century Irish sailor who worked on the British merchant navy; and Chris Maloney, an American filmmaker and playwright.

Today, the surname Maloney is found in various parts of the world, including Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The name is typically associated with people of Irish descent and is a popular surname in these countries.