Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Malachy

In Ireland, the name Malachy is less associated with the Biblical Malachi (one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament) than he is with one of Ireland’s High Kings, Máel Sechnaill of the 9th century. In Ireland, the Gaelic Máel Sechnaill basically translates to “devotee of St. Seachnall” (who was one of Saint Patrick's first companions). It’s very similar to how Malcolm developed as a boy’s name in Gaelic Scotland; it means “devotee of St. Columba” (one of the most important saints in Scottish history). In Ireland’s history, Saint Seachnall lived in the 5th century – he was not only a disciple of St. Patrick’s, but he was his contemporary. Many historians note Seachnall’s arrival in Ireland dated circa 439; likely coming up from northern Italy to aid St. Patrick in his Christian missionary endeavors. Others say he was St. Patrick’s nephew who came over from Gaul to help his uncle spread Christianity to the pagan Irish. It’s speculated that Seachnall’s name is the Irish-Gaelic version of the saint’s original Latin name, Secundinus – from an Old Roman given name Secundus – meaning “second” (usually given to a child born second in terms of birth order). What’s apropos about this etymology is that St. Seachnall would be considered “second” only to St. Patrick when it came to his importance among the early medieval Irish people. In other words, Saint Seachnall was highly revered in Ireland, so it’s with no surprise we find Máel Sechnaill as a prominant name in Ireland’s history books, the late 10th / early 11th century High King of Ireland. Máel Sechnaill – or Malachy the Great as he is remembered today – led the Irish warriors against the occupying Norsemen (Vikings) at the Battle of Tara (980). Malachy’s victory would be great indeed – he recaptured the Kingdom of Dublin and put it back into the hands of the native Irish-Gaels. So when you see the Irish name Malachy, understand the name is etymologically unrelated to the Biblical Hebrew Malachi.

All About the Baby Name – Malachy

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MALACHY

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MALACHY

The Irish Malachy has never seen the light of day when it comes to usage in the United States. Considering how popular and widespread Irish names have become among Americans, this one’s absence from the charts seems notable. When we think of Irish names historically the most popular in America, we think of names like Brian, Kevin and Patrick (or the modern day favs Aidan, Braden and Conor). For some, names like Cian, Darragh, Finbar, Malachy, Oisín, Seamus and Tadgh are perhaps just a little too ethnically Irish for the average American mutt.

Quick Facts

ON MALACHY

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

MAL-ә-kee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Devotee of St. Seachnall

Characteristics

OF MALACHY

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Malachy

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MALACHY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Malachy

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MALACHY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Malachy


Popular Songs

ON MALACHY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Malachy


Famous People

NAMED MALACHY

Malachy McCourt (actor, brother of Frank McCourt)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MALACHY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Malachy

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MALACHY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Malachy