Find out how popular the first name Malaia has been for the last 28 years (from 1997 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malaia by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Malaia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 26 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malaia.

The history of the first name Malaia

The name Malaia is believed to have its origins in the Polynesian languages, particularly those spoken in the Pacific Islands. It is thought to be derived from the Proto-Polynesian word "malaia," which means "peaceful" or "tranquil." This name was likely first used by the indigenous inhabitants of the Polynesian islands during the ancient era, potentially as early as the 3rd century AD.

In the traditional Polynesian cultures, names were often chosen to reflect desired qualities or characteristics for a child, and the name Malaia would have been bestowed upon a newborn with the hope that they would lead a peaceful and serene life. The name's connection to the concept of tranquility may also have been influenced by the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings of the Polynesian islands.

While there are no definitive records of the name's earliest appearances, it is possible that it was mentioned in oral traditions, chants, or songs passed down through generations in the Polynesian cultures. However, the earliest written records of the name may have come from European explorers and missionaries who encountered the Polynesian peoples during their voyages to the Pacific in the 16th and 17th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Malaia was a Tahitian woman who lived in the late 18th century. She was known for her role in welcoming and assisting the famous explorer Captain James Cook and his crew during their visits to the Society Islands in the 1770s.

Another notable figure was Malaia Tui, a Samoan chief who lived in the early 19th century. He was renowned for his leadership and efforts to preserve the traditional Samoan way of life during a period of increasing Western influence in the region.

In the 20th century, Malaia Fotumalava was a prominent Tongan artist and educator who helped revive and promote traditional Tongan arts and crafts. She was born in 1912 and played a significant role in preserving and passing on cultural knowledge to younger generations.

Malaia Ioane was a Samoan writer and poet who lived from 1922 to 2008. She was celebrated for her works that explored themes of identity, culture, and the Samoan experience, and her poetry was widely acclaimed both in Samoa and internationally.

Lastly, Malaia Lauaki was a influential Samoan politician and leader who served as the Prime Minister of Samoa from 1987 to 1988. Born in 1931, she was a prominent figure in the Samoan independence movement and worked tirelessly to promote the rights and well-being of her people.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!