girl name · Hawaiian origin
Malia
/ muh-LEE-uh /
Meaning
Malia means Calm, gentle (Hawaiian).
Gender
Girl
Origin
Hawaiian
Pronunciation
muh-LEE-uh
Popularity
#349 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Malia in the US, 1880–2025
Malia first appears in US records in 1919. It peaked in 2009, when 1,700 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 872.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Malia mean?
Malia is a Hawaiian form of Mary, also associated with “calm” waters.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Malia mean?
Malia means Calm, gentle. Malia is a Hawaiian form of Mary, also associated with “calm” waters.
What is the origin of the name Malia?
Malia is of Hawaiian origin.
How do you pronounce Malia?
Malia is pronounced “muh-LEE-uh.”
Is Malia a boy or a girl name?
Malia is most commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Malia?
In 2025, Malia ranked #349 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Malia most popular?
Malia was most popular in 2009, when about 1,700 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.