What does Malin mean and where does it come from?
Malin is a popular name in Sweden and Norway. It has connections to strength and resilience, particularly for girls. The name has historical relevance and can be found in literature and folk stories. Notable people with this name include Malin Åkerman, a Swedish actress and singer, which further pop
Cultural significance
Malin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the old norse name 'malinn', which means 'little strong girl'..
Peak popularity
Reached #2686 in 2012 — currently #6090 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Malin?
Malin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Malin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Malin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Malin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Malin Claire
French influence · crisp
Malin Jane
Literary · strong
Malin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Malin right now?
Falling — down 1749 spots — currently #6090 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6090 | 20 | ▼ down 1749 · -39% births |
| 2022 | #4341 | 33 | ▲ up 449 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #4790 | 28 | ▲ up 221 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #5011 | 25 | ▼ down 1238 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #3773 | 40 | ▲ up 200 · +5% births |
| 2010 | #3973 | 38 | ▲ up 2321 · +100% births |
| 2005 | #6294 | 19 | ▲ up 2990 · +90% births |
| 2000 | #9284 | 10 | ▼ down 381 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #8903 | 9 | ▲ up 679 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #9582 | 6 | — |
The story of Malin
Malin is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 934 total births recorded, Malin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9582 in 1985 to #6090 in 2023. Malin is used for both genders: 78% female and 22% male.
Names that peaked alongside Malin in 2012:
Malin by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 25 | |
| 1990s | 77 | |
| 2000s | 268 | |
| 2010s ★ | 499 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
💎Malin has only 934 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Malin?
What names sound and feel like Malin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Malin also consider these
How is Malin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Malin
What does the name Malin mean?
Malin means "Derived from the Old Norse name 'Malinn', which means 'little strong girl'." — a name rooted in Sweden 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 Malin?
Malin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Malin have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Malin?
Malin originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden 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 Malin?
Malin is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE1 L IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Malin trending right now?
Malin is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.