Holding steady.
Popularity of Mahaila since 1995
Babies named Mahaila per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 30 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Mahaila is a modern name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security list in 1995, a time when creative respellings and invented names were gaining popularity. It reached its modest peak in 2003, and has since maintained a stable trajectory. The name has never broken into the top 1000, but its similarity to more popular names like Makayla and Malia gives it a familiar feel. The name is virtually unheard of as a boy's name. While its exact origin is uncertain, it is often considered a variant of Mahala, a biblical name from the Old Testament. Parents drawn to Mahaila may appreciate its melodic sound and the ability to use nicknames like Mahi or Laila.
Mahaila is a modern coinage, possibly influenced by names like Mahala or Makaila. Mahala itself derives from Hebrew machalah, meaning 'tender' or 'fatness,' and appears in the Bible as a daughter of Zelophehad. However, the spelling Mahaila is not attested historically and likely arose in the late 20th century as a creative respelling.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mahi, Maya, Laila
Sibling names for Mahaila
Names that share Mahaila's style, for a brother or sister.
