NameSync

Malia: Meaning, origin and popularity

Pronounced muh-LEE-uh · 3 syllables

Malia means “calm”, from Polynesian.

Borrowed from Hawaiian Malia (“Mary”) and in some cases from Malia (“calm”).

Meaning
calm
Origin
Polynesian
Pronunciation
muh-LEE-uh
US rank (2025)
#349
US babies a year
about 1,072 (2021–2025)
Peak
around 2010

How popular is Malia?

Malia was the #349 name in the US in 2025, given to 872 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.

18801920196020002020
Babies named Malia in the US by five-year period, relative to its peak (around 2010).

Around the world

CountryRank
United States#349
England & Wales#821
Scotland#341
Ireland#846
France#197
Canada#354
Australia#209

How old are people named Malia?

Half of US adults named Malia are older than 26; most are between 18 and 57. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)

Names like Malia

Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.

Questions about Malia

What does the name Malia mean?

Malia means “calm”. It comes from Polynesian.

How do you pronounce Malia?

Malia is pronounced muh-LEE-uh.

How popular is the name Malia?

Malia was the #349 name in the US in 2025, given to 872 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.

How old are people named Malia?

Half of US adults named Malia are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 57.