The given name Maleah is a relatively modern invention, with its precise origins somewhat unclear. It is believed to have emerged in the late 20th century, potentially as a combination of the names Malia and Leah. The name Malia has Hawaiian roots, derived from the Hawaiian word for "Mary." Meanwhile, Leah is a Hebrew name with biblical origins, meaning "weary" or "tired."

While the name Maleah itself does not appear to have any direct historical references or appearances in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its potential constituent parts do have rich histories. The name Malia, for instance, is derived from the Hawaiian version of the name Mary, which has its roots in the Hebrew name Miryam, meaning "bitter" or "beloved."

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Maleah was Maleah Brown, an American actress born in 1996. She is known for her roles in television shows such as "The Game" and "Raising Hope." Another notable figure is Maleah Davis, an American basketball player who played for the University of Southern California in the early 2000s.

In the realm of music, Maleah Jacobs is an American singer and songwriter who gained recognition in the early 2010s for her collaborations with artists like Cee Lo Green and Diplo. She has also released her own music and has performed at various festivals and events.

Maleah Grover-Kilshaw, born in 1998, is a Canadian actress who has appeared in television shows like "The Killing" and "The Bletchley Circle." She has also had roles in several films, including "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2."

Lastly, Maleah Loyd was an American child who gained national attention in 2019 when she went missing in Houston, Texas, at the age of 4. Her disappearance sparked a widespread search, and her case brought attention to issues of child safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement in missing persons cases.