Malu first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Malu has been for the last 30 years (from 1995 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Malu

A Hindu name meaning "garland" or "coronet".

Popularity of Malu by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Malu is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Malu being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 25 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malu.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 25
2023 0 16
2022 0 23
2021 0 22
2020 5 23
2019 0 23
2018 0 15
2017 0 14
2016 0 14
2015 0 6
2014 0 6
2013 0 11
2011 0 8
2010 0 6
2009 0 6
2007 0 6
2006 0 8
2002 0 5
1998 0 5
1995 0 5

The history of the first name Malu

The name Malu is believed to have originated from the Hawaiian language, where it means "green" or "verdant." It is a poetic reference to the lush, vibrant landscapes of the Hawaiian islands. The name has its roots in the Polynesian culture, which has a deep reverence for nature and the natural world.

In ancient Hawaiian tradition, children were often named after elements of the natural environment, such as plants, animals, or celestial bodies. The name Malu was likely bestowed upon children born during periods of abundant rainfall or lush vegetation, as a way to celebrate the beauty and fertility of the land.

While the name Malu does not appear to have any direct references in ancient Hawaiian texts or religious scriptures, it is deeply embedded in the cultural traditions and worldview of the Hawaiian people. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 19th century, when Hawaii was still an independent kingdom.

One notable historical figure with the name Malu was Malu Wilcox, a Hawaiian princess who lived in the late 19th century. She was a member of the royal family and played a significant role in preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Another prominent individual was Malu Ioka, a Hawaiian actor and musician who was active in the mid-20th century. He was known for his roles in several Hollywood films and his contributions to the Hawaiian music scene.

In the literary world, Malu Gans was a prominent Hawaiian writer and educator who published several works on Hawaiian culture and language. She was born in the early 20th century and dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of her people.

Malu Dreyer was a Hawaiian activist and community leader who fought for the rights and preservation of indigenous Hawaiian communities in the late 20th century. She was instrumental in raising awareness about issues affecting the Hawaiian people and advocating for their cultural and environmental concerns.

Malu Lohren was a renowned Hawaiian artist and sculptor who gained recognition for her intricate wood carvings and sculptures inspired by Hawaiian mythology and traditions. Her works are celebrated for their intricate details and representations of Hawaiian cultural motifs.

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

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

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"Malu first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 22, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/malu-meaning-and-history/.

"Malu first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/malu-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 22 October, 2025

Malu first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/malu-meaning-and-history/.

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