Declining since 2022, #2,859 for girls today.
Popularity of Maleia since 1956
Babies named Maleia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 15 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 73 |
| 2000s | 300 |
| 2010s | 368 |
| 2020s | 372 |
Meaning & origin
Maleia is a modern American name first recorded in 1956, but it saw a significant surge in popularity in the 2020s, peaking in 2023 at rank 2859. As of 2025, about 1 in 27242 girls were named Maleia, though its trajectory has been falling since 2022. The name is most common in South Carolina, Texas, and California. Its origins are uncertain, likely a creative respelling of Malia or Maleah, part of a trend of melodic, vowel-heavy names ending in "ia." Maleia remains a rare but recognizable choice, appreciated for its soft sound and contemporary feel.
Maleia is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the United States in 1956. It may be a modern coinage influenced by names like Malia (a Hawaiian name) or Maleah (a variant of Amalia or Mary). Its rise in popularity in the 2020s suggests it is a fashionable creation rather than a name with deep historical roots.
Where Maleia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mal, Leia, Mali
Sibling names for Maleia
Names that share Maleia's style, for a brother or sister.
