Mali
Girl name · 28 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Mali: 28 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 2023.
Mali is a name with multiple charming roots, most familiarly as a Scottish Gaelic diminutive of Mary, itself from the Hebrew Miriam, meaning "bitter" or "beloved." It also appears as a Welsh pet form of the same name. Famous bearers include Welsh actress Mali Harries, known for her role in *Hinterland*, and the name is occasionally chosen for its gentle, melodic sound. Though the West African nation of Mali shares the spelling, its etymology stems from the Bambara word for "hippopotamus," a separate and fascinating connection. In Scotland, Mali offers a distinctive yet approachable alternative to Molly or Maisie, carrying the timeless appeal of a classic shortened form with a fresh, international twist.
Girl 7 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20237 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #5395 babies
- Total births
- 28since 2011
- 5-year trend
- ▲ 20%vs prior 5y