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

Popularity of Malia by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,144 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malia.

The history of the first name Malia

The name Malia is of Hawaiian origin, derived from the Hawaiian word "malia," meaning "calm" or "peaceful." It is a name that has been used in the Hawaiian culture for centuries, reflecting the serene beauty and tranquility of the islands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Malia can be found in ancient Hawaiian chants and stories, where it was often used to describe the gentle breeze or the calm ocean waters. The name gained popularity among Hawaiian families, who saw it as a fitting name for their daughters, embodying the essence of the island's peaceful spirit.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Malia. One such figure was Malia Kaʻahumanu (1768-1832), a powerful Hawaiian queen and regent who played a pivotal role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands during the early 19th century. Her influence and leadership were instrumental in shaping the course of Hawaiian history.

Another notable Malia was Malia Pele (1843-1905), a Hawaiian princess and chieftess who was known for her beauty and grace. She was highly respected within the Hawaiian community and served as a prominent figure in the preservation of Hawaiian culture and traditions.

In more recent times, Malia Obama (born 1998), the eldest daughter of former US President Barack Obama, has brought renewed attention to the name Malia. Her presence on the national and international stage has contributed to the growing popularity of the name across various cultures.

Beyond Hawaii, the name Malia has also found its way into other cultures and languages. In Swahili, for example, the name "Malia" means "wealthy" or "prosperous," reflecting a different cultural interpretation of the name's meaning.

Regardless of its cultural origins, the name Malia continues to captivate with its gentle and soothing connotations, serving as a reminder of the beauty and serenity found in nature and the human spirit.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Malia, 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!