Find out how popular the first name Malai has been for the last 19 years (from 2005 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malai by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Malai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malai.

The history of the first name Malai

The name Malai is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the root of many modern Indian languages. The name is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word "malaya," which means "garland" or "wreath."

In ancient Hindu texts, such as the Vedas and the Puranas, the term "malaya" was often used to refer to floral garlands or wreaths that were used in religious ceremonies and rituals. The name Malai may have been given to children with the hope that they would embody the beauty and fragrance of a garland.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Malai can be found in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic poem. In the Mahabharata, there is a reference to a character named Malai, who was a warrior and companion of the Pandava prince Arjuna.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Malai. One of the most famous was Malai Amman, a 7th-century Tamil poet and mystic who composed devotional hymns in praise of the Hindu goddess Parvati.

Another prominent figure was Malai Tambiran, a 16th-century Tamil scholar and poet who wrote extensively on subjects such as grammar, philosophy, and religion. His works were highly influential in the development of Tamil literature and culture.

In the realm of Indian classical music, Malai Tanjore was a renowned 18th-century vocalist and composer from the city of Thanjavur. She was recognized for her contributions to the Carnatic music tradition and is remembered as one of the greatest female musicians of her time.

Moving to more modern times, Malai Murugan was a 20th-century Indian writer and activist who played a significant role in the Dravidian movement, which sought to promote the rights and interests of the non-Brahmin communities in South India. He was born in 1903 and passed away in 1976.

Another notable figure was Malai Rangarajan, an Indian film actor and comedian who appeared in numerous Tamil and Malayalam movies during the mid-20th century. He was known for his comedic timing and ability to bring humor to even the most serious situations.

While the name Malai has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Indian culture, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions around the world, though its historical significance and meaning may vary.

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

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

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