Find out how popular the first name Mala has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mala by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mala.

The history of the first name Mala

The name Mala originates from the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the root of many modern Indian languages. It is believed to have been in use since the 2nd millennium BCE. The name Mala is derived from the Sanskrit word "mala," which means "garland" or "wreath."

In Hindu mythology, the word "mala" is often associated with strings of beads used for meditation and prayer. These garlands of beads, known as japa malas, are used to keep track of the repetition of mantras or sacred words during spiritual practices. This connection to spiritual significance may have contributed to the popularity of the name Mala in certain regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mala can be found in the ancient Indian epic poem, the Mahabharata. In this epic, Mala is mentioned as the name of a character who was a princess and the daughter of a sage named Raurava. This reference suggests that the name was in use during the time when the Mahabharata was composed, which is estimated to be around the 8th or 9th century BCE.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Mala. One such person was Mala Sinha, an acclaimed Indian actress who appeared in numerous Bollywood films during the 1950s and 1960s. She was born in 1936 and gained widespread recognition for her performances in movies like "Pyaasa" and "Gumraah."

Another notable Mala was Mala Sen, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who was born in 1938. She was a prominent figure in the world of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, and received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the art.

In the realm of literature, Mala Dayal was an Indian author and poet who wrote extensively in Hindi and Urdu. Born in 1936, she published several collections of poetry and short stories, and her works explored themes of feminism, social justice, and human relationships.

Mala Mukherjee was a distinguished Indian scientist who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry. Born in 1923, she conducted pioneering research on plant biochemistry and was awarded the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for her work.

Lastly, Mala Srivastava was an Indian freedom fighter and political activist who played a crucial role in India's independence movement against British colonial rule. Born in 1915, she was actively involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement, and her contributions to the struggle for independence are widely recognized.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Mala, highlighting its cultural and historical significance across various fields and regions.

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 Mala was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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