MallowbyNames

Malina

mah-LEE-nah · The name likely means 'little lady' or 'woman from Magdala', though its exact origin is debated.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,153
Babies named in 2025
86
Peak popularity
2009
2025 frequency
1 in 18,689 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2009

Declining since 2009, #2,153 for girls today.

Popularity of Malina since 1920

Babies named Malina per year in U.S. Social Security records.

56113169192019602000Most births 2009Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s6
1930s0
1940s0
1950s28
1960s88
1970s325
1980s308
1990s585
2000s1,207
2010s1,349
2020s556

Meaning & origin

Malina is a name with both botanical and biblical connections, though its primary Slavic meaning of 'raspberry' gives it a sweet, natural charm. Recorded in the U.S. since 1920, it has never entered the mainstream but saw its highest usage in 2009 when it ranked 2,153. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, with about 1 in 18,689 girls receiving the name in 2025. The name is most popular in Maryland, Florida, and New York. Its versatility across Eastern Europe makes it a subtle yet distinctive choice for families with Slavic heritage or those seeking a melodic, nature-inspired name.

Malina is a Slavic name, most commonly derived from the word 'malina' meaning 'raspberry' in many Slavic languages, giving it a nature-related appeal. Alternatively, in some contexts it is considered a diminutive of Magdalena, ultimately from Hebrew 'migdal' meaning 'tower'. The name has been used in Eastern Europe for centuries, with occasional use in other regions.

Where Malina is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Malina” around the world

Where Malina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mala, Lina, Mali

Variants: Malena, Malyna

Sibling names for Malina

Names that share Malina's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mila, Leona, Dalia, Sabina, Alina

Brothers: Milan, Leon, Dorian, Sasha, Evan

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Malina, our favorite little girl.

M is for Malina…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Malina's letter becomes Malina's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Malina's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Malina mean?
Malina is a Slavic name that directly translates to 'raspberry' in languages like Polish and Czech. It is also sometimes considered a diminutive of Magdalena, meaning 'of Magdala'.
How popular is the name Malina?
Malina is a rare name in the United States. In 2025, it ranked 2,153 for girls, with approximately 1 in 18,689 newborn girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2009, and usage has been declining since then.
Is Malina a girl's name?
Yes, Malina is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.