Malaya

Meaning of Malaya

The name Malaya is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a baby girl, with origins rooted in the Filipino language where it is pronounced as mah-LAH-yah. In English, it is commonly pronounced as muh-LIE-uh. The name Malaya means "free" or "freedom" in Tagalog, which adds a powerful and positive connotation to its use. It has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past few decades, moving from rank 10,193 in 1990 to rank 847 in 2023. This rise reflects its growing appeal among parents who value its unique sound and significant meaning. A notable variation of this name is Malaysia, which also carries geographical and cultural significance. Overall, Malaya is an excellent choice for those seeking a name that embodies freedom and individuality while maintaining an elegant and melodic quality.

Pronunciation

Filipino

  • Pronunced as mah-LAH-yah (/maˈlaja/)

English

  • Pronunced as muh-LIE-uh (/məˈlaɪə/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Similar Names to Malaya

Notable People Named Malaya

Malaya Akulukjuk, an Inuit artist, created works inspired by shamanism and Inuit spirituality, depicting human-animal transformations, starting her career at the age of 51.
Sofia Ricci
Curated bySofia Ricci

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