The name Mallory is believed to have originated from the Old French surname "Malore" or "Mallore", which was derived from the Latin name "Malus Operarius", meaning "bad worker" or "poor worker". This surname eventually evolved into the given name Mallory.

The earliest recorded use of the name Mallory dates back to the 12th century in England. It is thought to have been initially used as a derogatory term for someone who was perceived as a poor or lazy worker. However, over time, it transitioned into a respectable given name.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Mallory was Sir Thomas Mallory, an English writer who lived between approximately 1405 and 1471. He is best known for compiling and translating the iconic collection of tales known as "Le Morte d'Arthur", which chronicles the legendary adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Another significant figure bearing the name Mallory was George Mallory, an English mountaineer and explorer who lived from 1886 to 1924. He was part of the early British expeditions to Mount Everest in the 1920s and is famously remembered for his attempt to be the first person to reach the summit of the world's highest peak.

In the field of literature, Amelia Mallory, an American novelist born in 1892, gained recognition for her works of historical fiction, including "The Eternal Hills" and "The Woods Calf". She was renowned for her vivid depictions of life in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.

Moving to the realm of sports, Douglas Mallory, born in 1892, was a talented American tennis player. He achieved remarkable success in the early 20th century, winning multiple Grand Slam titles, including the U.S. National Championships (now known as the US Open) in both singles and doubles events.

Lastly, Mallory Weggemann, born in 1989, is a contemporary American Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker. Despite becoming paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 18, she has overcome immense challenges and represented the United States in multiple Paralympic Games, winning multiple gold and bronze medals.