Malvolio de' Medici
An Italian cardinal from the prominent Medici family, known for his political influence in the 16th century.
IPA Pronunciation
mælˈvoʊli.oʊ
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Syllables
Malvolio is derived from the Latin components 'mal' meaning 'bad' or 'ill' and 'volo' meaning 'will' or 'wish.' Historically, it implies 'ill-willed' or 'unfortunate.' The name gained literary prominence through Shakespeare's character Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night,' symbolizing a self-important steward whose ambitions lead to misfortune.
Cultural Significance of Malvolio
Malvolio is most famously known from William Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' as the pompous steward whose ambitions and self-importance lead to comic misfortune. The name carries a cultural weight of irony, unrequited desires, and social ambition. It is seldom used outside literary or theatrical contexts, symbolizing complex character traits and moral lessons.
Malvolio Name Popularity in 2025
Today, Malvolio remains a rare and unusual choice for a baby name, appreciated mainly by Shakespeare enthusiasts and those seeking distinctive literary names. Its unisex application is modern, though traditionally male. The name's somewhat negative connotations and antiquated feel mean it is seldom chosen, yet it appeals to parents who favor unique, meaningful, and historically rich names.
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International Variations9
Name Energy & Essence
The name Malvolio carries the essence of “Ill-willed or unlucky; derived from Latin roots” from Latin tradition. Names beginning with "M" often embody qualities of wisdom, intuition, and emotional depth.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Malvolio is most famously known from William Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' as the pompous steward whose ambitions and self-importance lead to comic misfortune. The name carries a cultural weight of irony, unrequited desires, and social ambition. It is seldom used outside literary or theatrical contexts, symbolizing complex character traits and moral lessons.
Malvolio della Scala
A lesser-known noble from the Scaliger family in Verona, involved in regional governance during the late Middle Ages.
Malvolio Contarini
Venetian diplomat and senator noted for his role in 17th-century Venetian politics.
Malvolio Jones
Author
Malvolio Crane
Theatre Director
Malvolio Hart
Painter
Twelfth Night ()
Shakespeare in Love ()
Twelfth Night (1996 film) ()
Twelfth Night (TV film) ()
The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses ()
Shakespeare Retold ()
Malvolio’s Revenge ()
Stage Door Shadows ()
Malvolio
🌐Spanish
Malvolio
🌐French
Malvolio
🌐German
Malvolio
🌐Italian
マルヴォリオ (Maruvorio)
🌐Japanese
马尔沃里奥 (Mǎ ěr wò lǐ ào)
🌐Chinese
مالفوليو
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Malvolio
Malvolio is one of Shakespeare’s few invented names, and it humorously combines Latin words to mean 'ill will,' perfectly fitting the character's stern and self-important nature.
Personality Traits for Malvolio
Bearers of the name Malvolio might be imagined as ambitious, serious, and complex individuals with a strong sense of self, sometimes perceived as stern or aloof. They might possess a deep inner world, resilience, and a desire for recognition while balancing vulnerability beneath a confident exterior.
What does the name Malvolio mean?
Malvolio is a Latin name meaning “Ill-willed or unlucky; derived from Latin roots”. Malvolio is derived from the Latin components 'mal' meaning 'bad' or 'ill' and 'volo' meaning 'will' or 'wish.' Historically, it implies 'ill-willed' or 'unfortunate.' The name gained literary prominence through Shakespeare's character Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night,' symbolizing a self-important steward whose ambitions lead to misfortune.
How do you pronounce Malvolio?
Malvolio is pronounced (IPA: mælˈvoʊli.oʊ). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Malvolio?
Popular nicknames for Malvolio include: Mal, Vio, Malvo, Ollie, VioVio, Malvy, Volio, Mally, Vee, Malo, Lio, Violet.
Who are famous people named Malvolio?
Famous people named Malvolio include: , , , Malvolio Jones, Malvolio Crane.
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Malvolio is a beautiful Latin name meaning “Ill-willed or unlucky; derived from Latin roots”. Malvolio is derived from the Latin components 'mal' meaning 'bad' or 'ill' and 'volo' meaning 'will' or 'wish.' Historically, it implies 'ill-willed' or 'unfortunate.' The name gained literary promine...
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