What does Maleficent mean and where does it come from?
Maleficent is a name derived from the English word 'maleficent', which means 'evil-doing' or 'harmful.' This name became widely known due to the character Maleficent from Disney's animated and later live-action versions of 'Sleeping Beauty'. The name has roots in the Latin word 'maleficus', which co
Cultural significance
Maleficent has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #16890 in 2020 — currently #14606 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maleficent?
Maleficent works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maleficent Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maleficent Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maleficent Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maleficent Claire
French influence · crisp
Maleficent Jane
Literary · strong
Maleficent Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maleficent right now?
Rising fast — up 2284 spots — currently #14606 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #14606 | 6 | ▲ up 2284 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #16890 | 5 | ▲ up 2074 |
| 2015 | #18964 | 5 | — |
The story of Maleficent
Maleficent is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2015. With 10 total births recorded, Maleficent remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #18964 in 2015 to #14606 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Maleficent in 2020:
💎Maleficent has only 10 total recorded births since 2015 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maleficent?
What names sound and feel like Maleficent?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maleficent also consider these
Common questions about the name Maleficent
What does the name Maleficent mean?
Maleficent means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Maleficent?
Maleficent is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maleficent have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maleficent?
Maleficent originates from American tradition. American 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 Maleficent?
Maleficent is a three-syllable name pronounced M EY1 L F AY1 S EH1 N T. 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 Maleficent?
Maleficent pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.