Mala

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAH-lah /ˈmɑː.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: In Sanskrit, mala means 'garland' or 'wreath', and a mala is also a string of prayer beads used in Hindu and Buddhist practice — a warm, devotional word. Quite separately, mala is the feminine of 'bad' in Spanish and Italian. Both are true, and we give both plainly so families choose with open eyes.Medium

In 30 seconds: In Sanskrit, Mala is a garland — and a string of prayer beads. In Spanish and Italian, mala means 'bad'. Both are true, and we say so plainly (said 'MAH-lah').

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Origin MediumSanskrit, Spanish

MeaningIn Sanskrit, mala means 'garland' or 'wreath', and a mala is also a string of prayer beads used in Hindu and Buddhist practice — a warm, devotional word. Quite separately, mala is the feminine of 'bad' in Spanish and Italian. Both are true, and we give both plainly so families choose with open eyes.

U.S. rank (2023)#7125 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births16 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1956

Total births (all-time)≈ 688

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Mala carries two quite different senses, and honesty requires both. In Sanskrit it means 'garland' or 'wreath', and a mala is the string of beads counted in Hindu and Buddhist prayer — a word of devotion and beauty, used as a name in India. In Spanish and Italian, however, mala is the feminine form of 'bad'. Neither cancels the other; families in Spanish-speaking communities will want to weigh it. We set both out plainly and leave the choice where it belongs (said 'MAH-lah').

It is very rare in the U.S. Short, warm, and double-edged.

Did you know? A mala is a string of prayer beads used in Hindu and Buddhist practice, and the Sanskrit word means 'garland'. In Spanish and Italian, though, mala is the feminine of 'bad' — a real consideration for families, which we note plainly (said 'MAH-lah').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Mala — Sanskrit 'garland'/prayer beads; Spanish and Italian 'bad' noted honestly

Variations

MaalaMalahMallah

Nicknames

MalLala

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mala…

Maya— a like short, warm pick

Malia— shares the Mal- opening

Mira— a similar two-beat Indian-rooted name

Tara— another soft Sanskrit-rooted choice

Explore names like Mala

By themeshort sanskrit devotional

By meaningTruth Snow / Winter

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mala mean?

In Sanskrit, Mala means 'garland' and names a string of prayer beads. In Spanish and Italian, mala means 'bad' — both are true, and we note both plainly.

How do you pronounce Mala?

It's said MAH-lah /ˈmɑː.lɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Mala a boy or girl name?

Mala is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Mala?

Mala is very rare in the U.S.