The first name Mallari has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Tamil language spoken in the southern regions of India and parts of Sri Lanka. The name is believed to have derived from the Tamil words "Mal" meaning mountain or hill, and "Ari" meaning river or stream. This suggests the name may have originated as a reference to a person living near a river flowing through the mountains or hills.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mallari can be found in ancient Tamil literature, particularly in the Sangam period (c. 300 BCE to 300 CE). During this time, the name appears in various poetic works and inscriptions, often associated with individuals from prominent families or those involved in scholarly or artistic pursuits.

In the 7th century CE, the name Mallari is also mentioned in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, a renowned work that chronicles the life and times of the Chola dynasty. The epic features a character named Mallari, who is described as a skilled artisan and sculptor, adding to the historical significance of the name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mallari. One of the earliest was Mallari Govinda Bhat (c. 1050-1125 CE), a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer from the Deccan region. His contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the study of infinite series and calculus, were significant during the medieval period.

Another prominent figure was Mallari Narayana Rao (1799-1879), a Telugu poet and scholar from the Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh). He is best known for his works in the Telugu language, including translations of Sanskrit texts and original poetic compositions.

In the 20th century, Mallari Satyanarayana (1909-1983) was a renowned Indian composer and musician from Andhra Pradesh. He composed numerous songs and music pieces in various genres, including Carnatic music, and was widely acclaimed for his contributions to the field of Indian classical music.

Mallari Hanumantha Rao (1917-2003) was an Indian artist and painter from Telangana, known for his vibrant depictions of rural life and landscapes. His works, often featuring scenes from villages and agricultural communities, were widely celebrated and exhibited both in India and internationally.

More recently, Mallari Rajkumar (1938-2021) was a prominent Indian cricketer who played domestic cricket for Hyderabad and South Zone in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a skilled all-rounder and played a crucial role in several victories for his teams.