Rising since 1985, #2,326 for girls today.
Popularity of Malaika since 1968
Babies named Malaika per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Malaika's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 423 |
| 1980s | 174 |
| 1990s | 331 |
| 2000s | 681 |
| 2010s | 598 |
| 2020s | 440 |
Meaning & origin
Malaika is a name of Arabic and Swahili origin, meaning 'angel.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1968, and its popularity has been steadily rising since the 1980s. As of 2025, it ranks 2,326 in the nation, with 1 in 20,606 girls receiving the name. Its peak year was 2024, reflecting a growing appreciation for multicultural names. The name is most common in states like Massachusetts, Indiana, and New York, where diverse communities embrace its melodic sound and spiritual meaning.
Malaika is a Swahili and Arabic name meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' In Arabic, it is the plural form of malak (angel). The name gained recognition in the West through the Swahili song 'Malaika' and has been adopted across various cultures, particularly in East Africa and among Muslim communities.
Where Malaika is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Malaika” around the world
Where Malaika lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mala, Kaia
Sibling names for Malaika
Names that share Malaika's style, for a brother or sister.
