Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Malena
GirlSpanish, Swedish· “blend of María and Elena, or Magdalena”
- Meaning
- blend of María and Elena, or Magdalena
- Origin
- Spanish, Swedish
- Pronunciation
- muh-LAY-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,271
- US babies 2025
- 81
- Best rank
- #1,056 (1886)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Malena
Malena is a Spanish and Swedish name that is usually said to mean “blend of María and Elena, or Magdalena”.
Malena is a Spanish and Swedish name with more than one explanation. It is often described as a blend of María and Elena, and it has also been used as a short form of Magdalena, the name associated with Mary Magdalene in the Gospels. In Sweden, Malena is a familiar given name, and in Spanish-speaking countries it has a gentle, lyrical sound. The name is usually pronounced mah-LAY-nah or muh-LAY-nuh. It feels romantic and warm, with nicknames such as Lena and Mali.
Popularity over time
Malena first appears in US Social Security records in 1886. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,056 in 1886, and the most babies received it in 2004, when 146 were named Malena. In 2025, 81 babies were named Malena, and it ranked #2,271 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,798 in 1950, #2,680 in 1980, #1,848 in 2000, #1,756 in 2010, and #2,271 in 2025. Of the 4,058 US girls named Malena since records began, 30% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 976 babies. Since 2010, 1,412 more have been named Malena.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Oriana, Kalei, Neida, Gissel, and Sabina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Malena ranked highest in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #980 | 9 |
| California | #1904 | 11 |
| Texas | #1996 | 11 |
| Florida | #2055 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Malena is usually pronounced muh-LAY-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Malena
A few middle names that flow with Malena: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Malena
Similar names
Savanna Girl
suh-VA-nuh
“grassy plain” · Spanish
#1,090
Cristina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
“follower of Christ” · Spanish
#1,622
Lorena Girl
loh-REH-nuh
“from Lorraine” · Spanish
#1,293
Johana Girl
joh-HAN-uh
“God is gracious” · Spanish
#2,287
Susana Girl
soo-SAH-nuh
“lily” · Spanish
#2,254
Ariadna Girl
ah-ree-AHD-nah
“most holy (form of Ariadne)” · Spanish
#1,417
Divina Girl
dih-VEE-nuh
“divine” · Latin
#3,593
Ximena Girl
hee-MEH-nuh
“possibly from Simon, 'he has heard'” · Spanish
#183
Jimena Girl
hih-MEH-nuh
Spanish
#578
Luciana Girl
loo-see-AH-nuh
“light” · Italian
#273
Santana Unisex
san-TAN-uh
“Saint Anne” · Spanish
#855
Reina Girl
RAY-nuh
“queen” · Spanish
#582
Lists that include Malena
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Malena mean?
Malena is a Spanish and Swedish name that is usually said to mean “blend of María and Elena, or Magdalena”.
What is the origin of the name Malena?
Malena has Spanish and Swedish roots. Malena is a Spanish and Swedish name with more than one explanation.
Is Malena a popular name?
Not especially. Malena ranked #2,271 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Malena a boy or girl name?
Malena is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Malena?
Malena is usually pronounced muh-LAY-nuh. 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