A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mallie since 1880
Babies named Mallie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mallie's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 173 | 0 |
| 1890s | 325 | 5 |
| 1900s | 317 | 34 |
| 1910s | 504 | 77 |
| 1920s | 441 | 108 |
| 1930s | 222 | 77 |
| 1940s | 130 | 45 |
| 1950s | 86 | 37 |
| 1960s | 58 | 19 |
| 1970s | 41 | 5 |
| 1980s | 51 | 0 |
| 1990s | 112 | 0 |
| 2000s | 321 | 0 |
| 2010s | 374 | 0 |
| 2020s | 307 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mallie is a name that evokes an old-fashioned, Southern charm, having peaked in 1897 during the late Victorian era when short, nicknamelike names were fashionable. Its trajectory shows a resurgence since 1985, though it remains uncommon. The name's peak usage in the 1890s aligns with Tennessee and North Carolina as its top states, reflecting a regional preference. While its exact meaning is debated, its soft double-l sound connects it to the timeless appeal of Mary and Molly, making it a gentle revival choice for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive.
Mallie is most likely a diminutive of Mary or a variant of Molly, both of which derive from the Hebrew name Miryam. It emerged in the late 19th century in the United States, particularly in the South, as a nickname or standalone given name. Used almost exclusively for girls, Mallie saw its greatest popularity in the 1890s but has since become rare.
Where Mallie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mal, Mally
Sibling names for Mallie
Names that share Mallie's style, for a brother or sister.
