Malin

Meaning & origin

First recorded in the United States in 1974, Malin has seen modest use over the decades. It reached its peak popularity in 2012, but has been declining since then, falling to rank 6,838 in 2025. Currently, it occurs at a rate of about 1 in every 100,454 births, making it a very rare name in the United States. Its high point in 2012 may have been influenced by cultural exposure, though specific attributions are unclear. The name remains more common in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries than in the United States, where top states for its use are not concentrated enough to list. Malin is a simple, melodic name with a distinctly Nordic flavor, fitting in with other Scandinavian imports like Linnea and Elin.

Malin is primarily a Swedish name, often considered a diminutive or short form of names such as Malmfrid or other names beginning with the element Mal, which may mean 'strength' or 'counsel' in Norse. In modern usage, particularly in English-speaking countries, it is sometimes used as a feminine given name, perhaps influenced by the similar-sounding name Holly or as a contraction of Marlene.