Mahala
Mahala is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Tenderness, harp, or song.
Origin and history
Mahala is a traditional name derived from the Hebrew name Mahalah, meaning tenderness or harp. It was historically used in early American history and remains a rare, vintage choice today. Its usage in the United States peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Popularity in the United States
2,889 babies in the United States have been named Mahala since 1880. It ranks #3298 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1957.
States where it is most popular
- OH (33 %)
- KY (29.5 %)
- NC (8.4 %)
- PA (4.6 %)
- TN (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 163 |
| 1890-1900 | 178 |
| 1900-1910 | 145 |
| 1910-1920 | 184 |
| 1920-1930 | 201 |
| 1930-1940 | 93 |
| 1940-1950 | 123 |
| 1950-1960 | 126 |
| 1960-1970 | 51 |
| 1970-1980 | 92 |
| 1980-1990 | 120 |
| 1990-2000 | 337 |
| 2000-2010 | 627 |
| 2010-2019 | 305 |
| 2020-2029 | 144 |
Nicknames
May, Halie, Mahalie
Fun facts
- The name appears in the Old Testament as Mahalah, a descendant of Manasseh.
- Mahala was notably present in 19th-century American census records and Appalachian folklore.