Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Malachi

Malachi is a Biblical name borne by one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The name is Hebrew in origin from “Mal'akhi” meaning ‘my messenger’ which is fitting since Malachi foretold the coming of God (i.e., through Jesus Christ). He lived in the 5th century B.C. and repeatedly emphasized the upcoming “day of the Lord” whereby the peoples’ sin and unfaithfulness will be punished. The religiously stern Puritans took up the name in the 17th century during the Reformation and eventually brought it to America. Malachi is also linked to the Irish name Malachy derived from the High King Maoileachlainn meaning ‘devotee of St. Seachnall’ (St. Seachnall was one of Saint Patrick's first companions). The 9th century King Maoileachlainn was notable for defeating Norse invaders in an important Irish battle. In medieval times the Irish Malachy became intertwined with the Biblical name Malachi but they are etymologically separate.

All About the Baby Name – Malachi

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MALACHI

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MALACHI

The name Malachi has had an interesting ride on the American popularity charts. It shows up sporadically in the late 1800s and early 1900s but then disappears entirely from the charts in 1911. This hiatus from usage lasted for about 75 years. The name returns triumphantly in the late 1980s and climbs swiftly in popularity. Between 1989 and 2003, the name advances over 800 positions on the popularity charts in 15 years. What was once clearly Puritan passé has become stylish and fashionable. While Malachi has never managed to hit the Top 100 list of most commonly used boys’ names, its return to the charts is impressive enough. Similar to Elijah, Micah and Jonah, these Minor Prophets are becoming Major Players in the naming customs of America. We have a “message” for American parents from “my messenger” Malachi – take notice of this name! It’s off-beat, classically ancient, religiously significant and downright adorable.

Quick Facts

ON MALACHI

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

177

PRONUNCIATION:

MAL-ə-kie

SIMPLE MEANING:

My messenger, my angel

Characteristics

OF MALACHI

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Malachi

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MALACHI

Malachi is a character in James Joyce’s 1922 novel, Ulysses, and has the distinction of opening the book with the first sentence: “Stately, plump Buck Mulligan came from the stairhead, bearing a bowl of lather on which a mirror and a razor lay crossed.” What he is doing in that opener is sacrilegious – he pretends to conduct a Mass. Malachi shares quarters with the novel’s protagonist, Stephen Dedalus, and also serves as a kind of counterpoint to Dedalus’ more introverted, brooding personality. A philosophical medical student, he is no lover of mankind, but he is a matchless and irreverent pursuer of the pleasures of mankind. In other words, a fun guy.

Malachi is the protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.’s second novel, The Sirens of Titan, published in 1959. He is the richest and luckiest man of the 22nd century who leads a rather pointless existence, assuming his elevated status to be God-given – that is, until he is hurled into an interplanetary journey which opens his eyes to an essential truth about humanity. When all the trappings and machinations of the sci-fi genre are stripped away, we can see that it has led us, yet again, to a realization that the best way to live is with respect for ourselves and each other, and for the fragile planet upon which we, sometimes wantonly, dwell.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MALACHI

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Malachi


Popular Songs

ON MALACHI

The Malachi Crunch
a song by NoFX

Famous People

NAMED MALACHI

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Malachi.

Children of Famous People

NAMED MALACHI

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Malachi

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MALACHI

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Malachi