What does Maliah mean and where does it come from?
Maliah is a variant of the Hawaiian name Malia, which means 'calm' or 'peaceful'. It is a popular name in Hawaii and has been used in the United States as well. The name gained widespread recognition through the former First Daughter, Malia Obama. The name embodies a serene and gentle character, app
Cultural significance
Maliah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of calm, peaceful.
Peak popularity
Reached #792 in 2013 — currently #1688 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maliah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maliah?
Maliah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maliah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Maliah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Maliah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Maliah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Maliah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Maliah Rose
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Maliah right now?
Declining — down 15 spots — currently #1688 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1688 | 122 | ▼ down 15 · -1% births |
| 2024 | #1673 | 123 | ▼ down 481 · -39% births |
| 2023 | #1192 | 202 | ▼ down 32 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #1160 | 209 | ▲ up 5 |
| 2021 | #1165 | 210 | ▼ down 71 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #1094 | 222 | ▼ down 171 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #923 | 297 | ▲ up 6 · +6% births |
| 2010 | #929 | 279 | ▲ up 1306 · +240% births |
| 2005 | #2235 | 82 | ▲ up 268 · +34% births |
| 2000 | #2503 | 61 | ▲ up 4966 · +408% births |
| 1995 | #7469 | 12 | — |
The story of Maliah
Maliah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 4,515 total births recorded, Maliah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7469 in 1995 to #1192 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maliah in 2013:
Maliah by decade
Maliah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 174 | |
| 2000s | 1,209 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,910 | |
| 2020s | 467 | |
💎With 4,515 total births, Maliah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Maliah?
What names sound and feel like Maliah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maliah also consider these
Common questions about the name Maliah
What does the name Maliah mean?
Maliah means "calm, peaceful" — a name rooted in Hawaii 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 Maliah?
Maliah 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 Maliah?
Maliah originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii 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 Maliah?
Maliah is a three-syllable name pronounced MAH-lee-AH. 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 Maliah?
Maliah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaii heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.