Malia
Malia is a girl name of Hawaiian origin meaning “Calm, Mary”, pronounced mah-LEE-uh. It ranked #349 in the United States in 2025, given to 872 babies, and peaked at #192 in 2009. Common nicknames: Mali, Lia.
How popular is Malia in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Malia mean, and where does it come from?
Malia is the Hawaiian form of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew Miriam. It entered Hawaiian usage through Christian missionaries in the 19th century, who adapted biblical names to fit the Hawaiian language's sound system, which lacks the "r" consonant. The name gained substantial national visibility in the United States after President Barack Obama named his elder daughter Malia in 1998. It carries the warmth and gentle sound characteristic of Hawaiian names while retaining a direct link to the ancient and widely used name Mary.
How is Malia used around the world?
Malia is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Malia?
Famous People Named Malia
- Malia Obama — daughter of former US President Barack Obama
- Malia Baker — Canadian actress
- Malia Manuel — American professional surfer
Similar Names to Malia
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Sibling Name Ideas for Malia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Malia mean?
Malia is a girl name of Hawaiian origin meaning "Calm, Mary." Malia is the Hawaiian form of Maria, itself derived from the Hebrew Miriam. It entered Hawaiian usage through Christian missionaries in the 19th century, who adapted biblical names to fit the Hawaiian language's sound system, which lacks the "r" consonant.
How do you pronounce Malia?
Malia is pronounced mah-LEE-uh. Common variations include Maleah, Maliah, Malea.
Is Malia a girl name?
Yes, Malia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mali, Lia.