“angel; messenger” — Embodies positive attributes of purity and guidance
Swahili-speaking regions origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#2479US 2023
72Births / yr
↑Rising
2.3kAll-time births
📅 Since 196800
How to pronounce Malaika
MAL·EYE·KAH
/ˈmæl.ˈaɪ.ˈkɑ/ · stress on MAL · 4 syllables
“angel; messenger”
Embodies positive attributes of purity and guidance · Swahili-speaking regions origin
What does Malaika mean and where does it come from?
Malaika is a name of Swahili origin meaning 'angel' or 'messenger'. It is widely used in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. The term embodies positive attributes of purity and guidance. The name gained popularity through songs and cultural references, including a famous Swahili song ti
Cultural significance
Malaika has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking regions-speaking communities, where it reflects values of angel; messenger.
Peak popularity
Reached #1392 in 1972 — currently #2479 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-speaking regions-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Rising fast — up 141 spots — currently #2479 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1970–2023#2479 · Top 1.8%
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#2479
72
▲ up 141 · +7% births
2022
#2620
67
▼ down 215 · -11% births
2021
#2405
75
▲ up 301 · +23% births
2020
#2706
61
▲ up 74 · -3% births
2015
#2780
63
▼ down 162 · -9% births
2010
#2618
69
▼ down 229 · -7% births
2005
#2389
74
▲ up 219 · +30% births
2000
#2608
57
▲ up 718 · +68% births
1995
#3326
34
▲ up 454 · +21% births
1990
#3780
28
▲ up 2924 · +180% births
1985
#6704
10
▼ down 3507 · -63% births
1980
#3197
27
▼ down 885 · -25% births
1975
#2312
36
▼ down 111 · -3% births
1970
#2201
37
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Malaika
1970Rank #2201
75
#3009
↗Rising
1970 - 202314 years
The story of Malaika
Malaika is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 2,283 total births recorded, Malaika remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2201 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2479 in 2023.
Malaika means "angel; messenger" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking regions tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Malaika?
Malaika is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Malaika have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Malaika?
Malaika originates from Swahili-speaking regions tradition. Swahili-speaking regions names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Malaika?
Malaika is a four-syllable name pronounced M AE1 L AY1 K AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Malaika?
Malaika pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili-speaking regions heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Malaika
For a sister
Malaika & Azizi♡
Malaika & Tamu♡
Malaika & Kibibi♡
Malaika & Kweli♡
For a brother
Malaika & Azizi♡
Malaika & Tamu♡
Malaika & Kweli♡
Malaika & Hasani♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#2479
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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