Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Malia

Malia is the Hawaiian equivalent of the Latin Maria (from the Hebrew Miriam and the English Mary). All of the “Mary”-related names originated from the Hebrew Miriam (Miryam), which has several possible meanings. There are a few etymological theories including “rebelliousness”, “sea of bitterness” and “wished for child”. In the Bible, Miryam lived in Egypt; so it is possible her name is Egyptian, stemming from “myr” which means ‘beloved.’ Of course both Miriam and Mary were important Biblical characters which explains the heavy usage of this name throughout the world and in many different languages. Malia is simply the Hawaiian example of Mary. Secondly, Malia could have come from the Hawaiian word “malie” meaning ‘calm, peaceful’.

All About the Baby Name – Malia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MALIA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MALIA

The Hawaiian name Malia first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1977 but was commonly used prior to this date in the state of Hawaii. In fact, Malia has been a top favorite girl’s name in the state of Hawaii for well over 40 years. In 2011, Malia was ranked as the 13th most heavily used female name in our Aloha State. Not quite as popular on the mainland, Malia has nonetheless seen some remarkable growth in recent years. The name acquired currency in 2008 and 2009 thanks to Malia Obama, President Obama’s daughter, who was hoisted into the public eye and brought her darling name to the forefront of the American consciousness. For a couple of years, parents responded and the name shot up in popularity. Plus, the name got a few creative respellings that American parents are so famous for and fond of: Melia, Maliyah, Maleah, and Maliah. Malia is one of those gorgeous sounding Hawaiian names – light and airy; easy and breezy.

Quick Facts

ON MALIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Hawaiian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

335

PRONUNCIATION:

mah-LEE-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Beloved; or Calm, peaceful

Characteristics

OF MALIA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Malia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MALIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Malia

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MALIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Malia


Popular Songs

ON MALIA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Malia


Famous People

NAMED MALIA

Malia (British singer)
Malia Jones (model/surfer)
Malia Metella (French Olympic swimmer)
Malia Obama (President Obama's daughter)
Malia Hosaka (professional wrestler)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MALIA

Barack and Michelle Obama;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MALIA

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