Malia
Girl name · 65 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Malia: 65 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 10 births in 2020.
Of Hawaiian origin, Malia means "calm" or "peaceful," and it is also widely used as a Swahili variant of Mary. The name gained international recognition through Malia Obama, eldest daughter of former US President Barack Obama, who brought a modern, graceful image to this gentle name. While the Hawaiian and Swahili roots are most familiar to English speakers, Malia is also the name of a historic town on Crete, though that derivation is unconnected. Its similarity to names like Maliyah or Malaya gives it a melodic, cross-cultural appeal. For parents seeking a name that feels both serene and worldly, Malia offers a perfect balance of softness and presence.
Girl 10 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 202010 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #4297 babies
- Total births
- 65since 2016
- 5-year trend
- ▲ 32%vs prior 5y