Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Malachi
BoyHebrew· “my messenger”
- Meaning
- my messenger
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- MAL-uh-ky
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #134
- US babies 2025
- 2,692
- Best rank
- #134 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Malachi
Malachi is a Hebrew name that means “my messenger”.
The Hebrew name Malachi means "my messenger." It belongs to the prophet whose short book closes the Old Testament in the Christian ordering, and whose words about a coming messenger were later read as pointing toward John the Baptist. The Hebrew root behind the name, mal'akh, is also the word used for angels, since angels were understood as God's messengers. The name was taken up by English Puritans, and in Ireland the related form Malachy honors Saint Malachy, a medieval archbishop of Armagh. Today it feels strong and a little unusual, with a soft ending. Mal and Kai are possible nicknames.
Famous parents who chose Malachi: Ashley Graham and Justin Ervin (2022). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Malachi 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 50 different years. Its best national rank was #134 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 2,776 were named Malachi. In 2025, 2,692 babies were named Malachi, and it ranked #134 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,730 in 1920, #1,686 in 1950, #1,161 in 1980, #351 in 2000, #161 in 2010, and #134 in 2025. Of the 65,758 US boys named Malachi since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 20,780 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Fernando, Andres, Manuel, Cristian, and Braden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Malachi ranked highest in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #71 | 148 |
| Alabama | #74 | 65 |
| Mississippi | #81 | 33 |
| Michigan | #94 | 100 |
| North Carolina | #95 | 130 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Malachi is usually pronounced MAL-uh-ky, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-hi”.
Middle names for Malachi
A few middle names that flow with Malachi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Malachi
Similar names
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Lists that include Malachi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Malachi mean?
Malachi is a Hebrew name that means “my messenger”.
What is the origin of the name Malachi?
Malachi has Hebrew roots. The Hebrew name Malachi means "my messenger." It belongs to the prophet whose short book closes the Old Testament in the Christian ordering, and whose words about a coming messenger were later read as pointing toward John the Baptist.
Is Malachi a popular name?
Yes. Malachi ranked #134 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Malachi a boy or girl name?
Malachi is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Malachi?
Malachi is usually pronounced MAL-uh-ky. 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