Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Maliyah
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Hawaiian· “variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary”
- Meaning
- variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- muh-LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #626
- US babies 2025
- 467
- Best rank
- #297 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Maliyah
Maliyah is an American (modern coinage) and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary”.
Maliyah is a modern American spelling of Malia, with the -yah ending made popular by names like Aaliyah. Malia is the Hawaiian form of Mary, adapted to Hawaiian sounds, and Mary itself goes back to the Hebrew Miriam, a name of uncertain meaning. The name gained wider attention in the United States through Malia Obama, and variant spellings such as Maliyah and Maleah followed. Because it is a respelling rather than an old name, it has no separate meaning of its own. It has a soft, flowing sound and three easy syllables. Lia and Lee are natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Maliyah first appears in US Social Security records in 1994. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 24 different years, starting in 2002. Its best national rank was #297 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,117 babies. In 2025, 467 babies were named Maliyah, and it ranked #626 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,500 in 2000, #358 in 2010, and #626 in 2025. Of the 15,359 US girls named Maliyah since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,702 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Emely, Madalyn, Kiley, Kimora, and Rihanna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Maliyah ranked highest in New Mexico, Maryland, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #238 | 7 |
| Maryland | #263 | 20 |
| Louisiana | #412 | 11 |
| Mississippi | #426 | 7 |
| Connecticut | #437 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Maliyah is usually pronounced muh-LEE-uh, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Maliyah
A few middle names that flow with Maliyah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Maliyah
Similar names
Aniyah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“modern coinage, possibly from Anya” · American (modern coinage)
#485
Amiyah Girl
uh-MY-uh
“modern variant of Amaya or Amia” · American (modern coinage)
#620
Nylah Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#504
Zariah Girl
zuh-RY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#450
Alayah Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#412
Aleah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#965
Kaliyah Girl
kuh-LEE-uh
“modern blend of Ka- and Aaliyah” · American (modern coinage)
#392
Ariah Girl
AR-ee-uh
“modern variant of Aria” · American (modern coinage)
#636
Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Mylah Girl
MY-luh
“variant of Mila or Myla” · American (modern coinage)
#605
Kiana Girl
kee-AH-nuh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#743
Aliah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“variant of Aaliyah; exalted” · Arabic
#1,192
Lists that include Maliyah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Maliyah mean?
Maliyah is an American (modern coinage) and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary”.
What is the origin of the name Maliyah?
Maliyah has modern American and Hawaiian roots. Maliyah is a modern American spelling of Malia, with the -yah ending made popular by names like Aaliyah.
Is Maliyah a popular name?
Yes. Maliyah ranked #626 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Maliyah a boy or girl name?
Maliyah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Maliyah?
Maliyah 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