Malia is a moderately popular girls' name in United States, ranking #418 in 2005 with 741 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2009 with 1,700 births ranking #192. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 175.5%. In 2005, approximately 1 in every 2,494 girls born was named Malia. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Malia is a beautiful Hawaiian form of Maria and belongs to the wide Mary family. Like many Mary-related names, the traditional meaning is interpreted in more than one way.
The name gained broader visibility outside Hawaii because it sounds modern and melodic while still resting on a very old classic root. It offers a fresh-feeling alternative to Maria and Mary.