Declining since 2010, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Malea since 1954
Babies named Malea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 81 |
| 1960s | 101 |
| 1970s | 135 |
| 1980s | 192 |
| 1990s | 368 |
| 2000s | 831 |
| 2010s | 609 |
| 2020s | 223 |
Meaning & origin
Malea is a relatively rare name in the United States. First recorded in 1954, it saw its peak usage in 2009, after which its popularity has been on a gradual decline. As of 2025, the name ranks 5,722, with only about 1 in 76,537 girls receiving it. The trajectory indicates a falling trend since 2010. While its origins are unclear, Malea fits a pattern of modern, melodious names ending in '-ea' or '-ia'. It does not appear among top state lists, indicating its usage is spread thinly across the country. Parents choosing Malea today are selecting a name that is uncommon but not unheard of, with a soft, feminine sound that pairs well with many sibling names.
Malea is a name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Malia, which itself is a Hawaiian form of Mary, or a feminine form of the name Male. Alternatively, it could be a modern invention blending popular sounds like the 'Ma-' prefix and '-lea' suffix seen in names like Leia or Rhea. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1954 but saw its peak popularity in 2009.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Lea, Mal
Sibling names for Malea
Names that share Malea's style, for a brother or sister.
