Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Mahala
GirlHebrew· “variant of Mahalah, tenderness”
- Meaning
- variant of Mahalah, tenderness
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- muh-HAY-luh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #7,359
- US babies 2025
- 15
- Best rank
- #355 (1882)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Mahala
Mahala is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “variant of Mahalah, tenderness”.
Mahala is a biblical name, a variant of Mahalah, from the Hebrew mahalah, often interpreted as tenderness. In the First Book of Chronicles, Mahalah is a child of Hammoleketh in the tribe of Manasseh. Mahala was used in early America, especially in the nineteenth century. It is said muh-HAY-luh. Mahalia and Mahlah are related names. The gospel singer Mahalia Jackson made the related form famous. Hala is a possible short form.
Popularity over time
Mahala has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 23 different years. Its best national rank was #355 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 74 were named Mahala. In 2025, 15 babies were named Mahala, and it ranked #7,359 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,786 in 1920, #2,308 in 1950, #3,462 in 1980, #2,227 in 2000, #3,789 in 2010, and #7,359 in 2025. Of the 2,889 US girls named Mahala since records began, 22% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 337 babies. Since 2010, 449 more have been named Mahala.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sicily, Xochilt, Kyley, Tamaya, and Rhiana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mahala ranked highest in Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #1613 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mahala is usually pronounced muh-HAY-luh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Mahala
A few middle names that flow with Mahala: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mahala
Similar names
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Lists that include Mahala
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mahala mean?
Mahala is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “variant of Mahalah, tenderness”.
What is the origin of the name Mahala?
Mahala has Hebrew roots. Mahala is a biblical name, a variant of Mahalah, from the Hebrew mahalah, often interpreted as tenderness.
Is Mahala a popular name?
Not especially. Mahala ranked #7,359 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Mahala a boy or girl name?
Mahala is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mahala?
Mahala is usually pronounced muh-HAY-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings