Declining since 2003, #2,256 for girls today.
Popularity of Malena since 1886
Babies named Malena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 0 |
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 45 |
| 1960s | 111 |
| 1970s | 462 |
| 1980s | 288 |
| 1990s | 483 |
| 2000s | 1,234 |
| 2010s | 976 |
| 2020s | 436 |
Meaning & origin
Malena first appeared in U.S. records in 1886, but its modern use is driven largely by Spanish and Italian heritage. Its peak popularity came in 2004, and since 2003 the name has been in a gradual decline, yet it remains a recognizable choice. In 2025 it ranked 2,256, with about 1 in 19,843 newborn girls receiving the name. The highest concentration of Malenas is found in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas, reflecting communities with strong Latino influence. Despite the downward trajectory, Malena retains a melodic, cross-cultural appeal that keeps it in steady, if modest, circulation.
Malena is a shortened form or variant of Magdalena, which itself originates from the Hebrew title 'Magdalene,' meaning 'woman from Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name spread through Christian veneration of Mary Magdalene, and the shortened form Malena became common in Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities during the 20th century.
Where Malena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Malena” around the world
Where Malena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mali, Lena, Mala, Mally
Sibling names for Malena
Names that share Malena's style, for a brother or sister.
