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HomeBaby Names DirectoryMahlia

Mahlia

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAH-lee-ah /ˈmɑ.li.ɑ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling echoing Mahalia — from Hebrew, variously 'tenderness, affection' and 'a sickness/weariness' (the precise root is debated); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Tenderness; affection: Mahlia echoes Mahalia — 'tenderness'. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'MAH-lee-ah').
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Origin LowHebrew, American
MeaningA spelling echoing Mahalia — from Hebrew, variously 'tenderness, affection' and 'a sickness/weariness' (the precise root is debated); routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#6286 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births19 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 597

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919912024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mahlia is a spelling echoing Mahalia — from Hebrew, variously 'tenderness, affection' (the precise root is debated; routes layered, which we note). The gospel great Mahalia Jackson made the name famous. A lyrical, modern name (nickname Mahli).

It registers thinly in this spelling. Rare, tenderness-and-affection at the (debated) root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Mahalia is variously read as 'tenderness, affection' (Hebrew; the precise root is debated) — Mahlia is a spelling echoing it (and the -lia names), lyrical and modern (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'MAH-lee-ah').
Overall data confidence 45%
Behind the Name — Mahalia — routes layered

Variations

MahaliaMaliyahMaliah

Nicknames

Mahli

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mahlia…

Mahalia— the standard spelling
Maliyah— a sound-neighbor -liyah girls' name
Malia— a fellow -lia girls' name
Amalia— another -alia girls' name

Explore names like Mahlia

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mahlia mean?

Mahlia echoes Mahalia — Hebrew 'tenderness, affection' (the root is debated); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Mahlia?

It's said MAH-lee-ah /ˈmɑ.li.ɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mahlia a boy or girl name?

Mahlia is a girl's name.

How popular is Mahlia?

Mahlia is a rare name in the U.S.

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