Rising since 1991, #2,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Malachai since 1991
Babies named Malachai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 124 |
| 2000s | 490 |
| 2010s | 483 |
| 2020s | 389 |
Meaning & origin
Malachai, a spelling variant of the biblical Malachi, has been recorded in U.S. data since 1991. As of 2025, it ranked 2451, with approximately 1 in 31,056 baby boys receiving the name, reflecting its niche but steady appeal. Its trajectory has been generally rising, with a peak in 2022. The name is most popular in Georgia, Florida, and California, suggesting a southern and coastal lean. Malachai offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Malachi, appealing to parents drawn to biblical names with a modern twist.
Malachai is an English variant of Malachi, derived from the Hebrew name Mal'akhi (מַלְאָכִי) meaning 'my messenger.' Malachi is the name of a minor prophet in the Old Testament, the last book of the Nevi'im. The form Malachai has been used in English-speaking countries alongside the standard Malachi, gaining modest usage since the late 20th century.
Where Malachai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mal, Chai
Sibling names for Malachai
Names that share Malachai's style, for a brother or sister.
