Find out how popular the first name Malin has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Malin is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 80% of people named Malin being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 12 female babies and 9 male babies born with the name Malin.

The history of the first name Malin

The name Malin has its origins in the Old Norse language, originating from the Scandinavian regions of Northern Europe. It is derived from the Old Norse word "malr," which means "gravel" or "sand." The name was likely given to individuals who lived near sandy or gravelly areas.

In the Viking era, between the 8th and 11th centuries, the name was common among the Norse people in regions such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It was also found in parts of Iceland, where the Vikings had settled.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Malin can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of stories and historical accounts from the Middle Ages. In the Saga of Erik the Red, a character named Malin Brellinson is mentioned as one of the first Norse settlers in Greenland.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Malin. One of the earliest was Malin Håkansson (c. 1150-1210), a Swedish nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Swedish crusades against the pagan tribes of Finland.

In the 15th century, Malin Sture (1438-1489) was a Swedish statesman and regent of Sweden during the Kalmar Union period. He was a prominent figure in the struggles for power between the Nordic kingdoms.

Moving forward to the 17th century, Malin Gertner (1591-1670) was a German astronomer and mathematician. She made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and the motion of planets.

In the 19th century, Malin Jerningham (1823-1891) was a British explorer and writer. She is best known for her travels and writings about the Middle East, where she documented the customs and cultures of the region.

More recently, Malin Åkerman (born 1978) is a Swedish-Canadian actress and model. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Watchmen, 27 Dresses, and Billions.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have carried the name Malin throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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