Mahalia
Mahalia is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Tenderness, affection, or strength.
Origin and history
Mahalia is a female given name of Hebrew origin, commonly understood to mean 'tenderness' or 'affection'. It gained prominence in the United States primarily through the famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Although relatively rare overall, the name maintains steady usage as a distinctive traditional option.
Popularity in the United States
2,370 babies in the United States have been named Mahalia since 1880. It ranks #3624 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1769.
States where it is most popular
- CA (29.8 %)
- FL (18.2 %)
- TX (18 %)
- NY (16.6 %)
- MS (4.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 20 |
| 1890-1900 | 46 |
| 1900-1910 | 42 |
| 1910-1920 | 79 |
| 1920-1930 | 76 |
| 1930-1940 | 35 |
| 1940-1950 | 96 |
| 1950-1960 | 124 |
| 1960-1970 | 126 |
| 1970-1980 | 75 |
| 1980-1990 | 107 |
| 1990-2000 | 396 |
| 2000-2010 | 429 |
| 2010-2019 | 387 |
| 2020-2029 | 332 |
Famous people named Mahalia
- Mahalia Jackson: Singer, Activist
- Mahalia Burkmar: Singer, Songwriter
Nicknames
Halie, Halia, May
Fun facts
- Mahalia Jackson brought international recognition to the name as one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century.
- The name shares etymological links with Hebrew biblical names like Mahalah.