''Maolmhuaidh'' is an Irish surname, generally anglicised as '' Molloy'' or ''Mulloy''. Like other Irish surnames, ''Maolmhuaidh'' is

patronymic A patronymic, or patronym, is a component of a personal name based on the given name of one's father, grandfather (more specifically an avonymic), or an earlier male ancestor. It is the male equivalent of a matronymic. Patronymics are used, b ...

. The male version is ''Ó Maolmhuaidh'' with the name in the genitive or possessive case preceded by ("ó" or “ua” meaning "grandson or descendant"); the female versions is ''Ní Mhaolmhuaidh'' ("ní" a contraction of “iníon” meaning "daughter”, there is no equivalent of Mrs as women in gaelic society retained their maiden names after marriage); the family or house name is ''Uí Mhaolmhuaidh'' “uí” being the plural of “ua” or “ó”.

Ó Maolmhuaidh Fir Cell

The Uí Maolmhuaidh of Fir Cell (''men of the churches'', in what is now

County Offaly County Offaly (; ) is a Counties of Ireland, county in Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster. It is named after the Ancient Ireland, ancient Kingdom of Uí ...

) claimed descent from the southern

Uí Néill The Uí Néill (; meaning "descendants of Niall") are Irish dynasties that claim descent from Niall Noígíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), a historical King of Tara who is believed to have died around c. 405. They are generally divided ...

. The 16th-century mercenary, Captain Greene O'Mulloy, was of this family.

Ó Maoil Aodha Oirthir Connachta

The Uí Maoil Aodha ("descendant of the devotee of (St.) Aodh") family lived in east Connacht and is now found as both Mullee and Molloy.

Ó Maolmhaodhóg Tir Connall

The Uí Maolmhaodhóg ("descendant of the devotee of (St.) Maodhóg") surname is now usually rendered as Mulvogue or Logue, but sometimes Molloy, particularly around the Glenties area of

County Donegal County Donegal ( ; ) is a Counties of Ireland, county of the Republic of Ireland. It is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Ulster and is the northernmost county of Ireland. The county mostly borders Northern Ireland, sharing only a small b ...

Instances

The 1890 registration of births found bearers of the surname concentrated in counties Donegal, Dublin, Galway, and Mayo.

Notables of the name

Ailbe Ua Maíl Mhuaidh Albin O'Molloy () (died 1223) was the Irish bishop of Ferns. Background O'Molloy was native of what is now north County Tipperary. He became a Cistercian monk at Baltinglass, and eventually rose to be abbot of that house. His family, the O'Mol ...

(died 1223), bishop of Ferns * Froinsias Ó Maolmhuaidh (c.1606-77), Franciscan friar, theologian and grammarian *

James Lynam Molloy James Lynam Molloy (19 August 1837 – 4 February 1909) was an Irish composer, poet, and author. His songs were praised by his contemporaries; one said that he "will be remembered, or certainly his songs will, long after the 'superior' and so-c ...

(1837-1909), songwriter * William Theodore Mulloy (1892–1959), bishop of Covington *

Gardnar Mulloy Gardnar Putnam "Gar" Mulloy (November 22, 1913 – November 14, 2016) was a U.S. No. 1 tennis player primarily known for playing in doubles matches with partner Billy Talbert. He was born in Washington, D.C., and centenarian, turned 100 in Novem ...

(born 1913), former tennis player * M.J. Molloy (1917-1994), farmer and playwright *

William Mulloy William Thomas Mulloy Jr. (May 3, 1917 – March 25, 1978) was an American anthropologist. While his early research established him as a formidable scholar and skillful fieldwork supervisor in the province of Plains Indians, North American Plains ...

(1917–1978), American anthropologist. * Sheila Mulloy, writer and historian. * James T. Molloy (1936–2011) Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives * Bobby Molloy (born 1936), retired TD * Phil Mulloy (born 1948), British animator. * The Mulloy Brothers, traditional Irish ballad group * Daniel Mulloy (born 1977), British artist and filmmaker * Trevor Molloy (born 1977), Irish professional footballer * Lucy Mulloy (born 1979), screenwriter and film director * Aaron Molloy (born 1997), Irish professional footballer *

External links

* http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/surname/index.cfm?fuseaction=Go.&UserID= {{DEFAULTSORT:O Maolmhuaidh Surnames Surnames of Irish origin Irish-language surnames Gaelic-language surnames Irish families