Malvolio name popularity, meaning and origin

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Malvolio name meaning:

The name Malvolio is of Italian origin and carries the meaning "ill will" or "bad wish." It is composed of two elements: "mal," meaning bad or evil, and "volio," derived from "volere," meaning to wish or to want. Despite its somewhat negative etymology, the name is most famously borne by a character in William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night."

In "Twelfth Night," Malvolio is a pompous steward who becomes the target of a cruel prank that leads to his humiliation. His name fittingly reflects his role in the play, as his haughty demeanor and disdain for others invite ill will from those around him. Although not commonly used as a given name in contemporary times, Malvolio's association with Shakespearean literature gives it a timeless quality, albeit with a cautionary connection to pride and downfall.