Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Malia
GirlHawaiian, Hebrew· “Hawaiian form of Mary”
- Meaning
- Hawaiian form of Mary
- Origin
- Hawaiian, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- muh-LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #349
- US babies 2025
- 872
- Best rank
- #192 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Malia
Malia is a Hawaiian and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Hawaiian form of Mary”.
Malia is the Hawaiian form of Mary, adapted to the sounds of the Hawaiian language, which has no r and prefers open syllables. Mary itself goes back through Latin and Greek to the Hebrew Miriam, whose original meaning is uncertain. The same form Malia is also used in other Polynesian languages, including Tongan and Samoan. Outside the Pacific, Malia appeals to parents who want a light, melodic name with a traditional root. It sits naturally alongside names like Leilani, Kalani and Amelia. Mali and Lia are possible short forms, though the name rarely needs shortening.
Popularity over time
Malia first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 39 different years, starting in 1977. Its best national rank was #192 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,700 babies. In 2025, 872 babies were named Malia, and it ranked #349 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #992 in 1980, #499 in 2000, #301 in 2010, and #349 in 2025. Of the 31,606 US girls named Malia since records began, 35% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 8,205 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Allie, Addyson, Aniyah, Alivia, and Haylee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Malia ranked highest in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #20 | 18 |
| New Mexico | #174 | 9 |
| Nevada | #190 | 14 |
| Montana | #196 | 6 |
| Rhode Island | #208 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Malia is usually pronounced muh-LEE-uh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Malia
A few middle names that flow with Malia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Malia
Similar names
Elia Girl
eh-LEE-uh
“my God is Yahweh” · Italian
#970
Maria Girl
muh-REE-uh
“form of Mary; meaning uncertain” · Latin
#87
Lia Girl
LEE-uh
“short form of names like Amelia” · Italian
#200
Lydia Girl
LIH-dee-uh
“woman from Lydia” · Greek
#92
Mariah Girl
muh-RY-uh
“form of Maria, meaning uncertain” · Hebrew
#448
Ariel Unisex
EH-ree-uhl
“lion of God” · Hebrew
#356
Rebecca Girl
ruh-BEH-kuh
“possibly to bind” · Hebrew
#350
Joanna Girl
joh-AN-uh
“God is gracious” · Latin
#306
Madeleine Girl
MAD-uh-lin
“woman from Magdala” · French
#455
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Rebekah Girl
rih-BEHK-uh
“to tie, bind” · Hebrew
#884
Elisha Unisex
ih-LY-shuh
“my God is salvation” · Hebrew
#789
Lists that include Malia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Malia mean?
Malia is a Hawaiian and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Hawaiian form of Mary”.
What is the origin of the name Malia?
Malia has Hawaiian and Hebrew roots. Malia is the Hawaiian form of Mary, adapted to the sounds of the Hawaiian language, which has no r and prefers open syllables.
Is Malia a popular name?
Yes. Malia ranked #349 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Malia a boy or girl name?
Malia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Malia?
Malia is usually pronounced muh-LEE-uh. 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