Malala

“Grief-Stricken” — Symbolizes strength and activism

Pakistan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#14504US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

72All-time births

📅 Since 201300

How to pronounce Malala

MAL·AL·uh

/ˈmæl.ˈæl.ə/ · stress on MAL · 3 syllables

“Grief-Stricken”

Symbolizes strength and activism · Pakistan origin

What does Malala mean and where does it come from?

Malala is of Pashto origin and has gained international recognition largely due to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. The name symbolizes strength and activism, particularly in the context of education rights for girls. The first reco

Cultural significance

Malala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Pakistan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grief-stricken.

Peak popularity

Reached #8521 in 2018 — currently #14504 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Malala?

Malala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Malala Grace

How popular is Malala right now?

Rising fast — up 152 spots — currently #14504 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#14504 · Top 11%

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#14504	6	▲ up 152
2022	#14656	6	▼ down 58
2021	#14598	6	▼ down 3780 · -40% births
2015	#10818	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Malala

Best Year2015Rank #10818

Peak Count10

Average Rank#13644

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20234 years

The story of Malala

Malala is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2013. With 72 total births recorded, Malala remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #10818 in 2015, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14504 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Malala in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

💎Malala has only 72 total recorded births since 2013 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Malala?

Common

MalMalieMalyAla

What names sound and feel like Malala?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Malala also consider these

Makala

African · Swahili

Macala

American · A combination of

Egypt · A name denoting

Malyla

American · Different variations may

Magdala

Hebrew · Hebrew

Common questions about the name Malala

What does the name Malala mean?

Malala means "Grief-Stricken" — a name rooted in Pakistan 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 Malala?

Malala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Malala?

Malala originates from Pakistan tradition. Pakistan 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 Malala?

Malala is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 L AE1 L AH0. 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 Malala?

Malala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Pakistan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.