Find out how popular the first name Mal has been for the last 15 years (from 2008 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mal by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Mal is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mal.

The history of the first name Mal

The name Mal has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which was spoken in ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "mala," which means "garland" or "wreath." The name has been in use for centuries and has been found in Hindu texts and scriptures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mal can be found in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, which was composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. In this epic, Mal was the name of a warrior who fought alongside the Pandavas in the great battle of Kurukshetra.

In the Middle Ages, the name Mal was also used in the Persian language, where it was derived from the Persian word "mal," which means "wealth" or "property." During this time, the name was popular among the Persian nobility and was often given to sons of wealthy families.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Mal was Malik Ambar, who lived from 1548 to 1626. He was an Ethiopian-born military leader who served as the Prime Minister of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in the Deccan region of India. Malik Ambar was known for his military prowess and his successful campaigns against the Mughal Empire.

Another notable figure with the name Mal was Mal Devendra Nath Mukherjee, a Bengali writer and journalist who lived from 1859 to 1936. He was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and was known for his satirical writings and his criticism of British rule in India.

In the 20th century, the name Mal was also used by Mal Whitfield, an American track and field athlete who lived from 1924 to 2015. Whitfield won three gold medals in the 800-meter and 400-meter hurdles events at the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics.

Another notable figure with the name Mal was Mal Waldron, an American jazz pianist and composer who lived from 1925 to 2002. Waldron was known for his collaborations with some of the greatest jazz musicians of his time, including Billie Holiday and John Coltrane.

Finally, the name Mal was also used by Mal Goode, an Australian rules football player who played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the 1970s and 1980s. Goode was a member of North Melbourne's premiership-winning team in 1977 and was known for his skill and athleticism on the field.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mal, please contact us.

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