MELLY Family History

Recorded in many forms including Malley, Mailey, Meally, Melley, Melly, Melia, Millie, Milley, Mylie, Mulley, this is an Anglo-Irish surname. If Irish it derives from the pre 10th century Gaelic O' Maille, meaning the male descendant of the prince, although who the prince was is not proven. This great clan belonged exclusively to County Mayo, and they held sway over the baronies of Burrishoole and Murrisk in that county. Many members were renowned for their prowess at sea which is encapsulated in their motto, "Terra marique potens" meaning "Powerful by land and sea".