Home › Baby Names Directory › Maleia

Maleia

♀ Girl

Maleia Pronunciation

Maleia is pronounced mə-LAY-ə /məˈleɪ.ə/High

Meaning: Variant of Malia/Maleah, the Hawaiian form of Mary (Maria), traditionally linked to 'beloved' or 'bitter'Medium

In 30 seconds: Mary, island-style, freshly spelled: Maleia varies Malia — the Hawaiian Maria — flowing on warm open vowels. The Obamas put the sound on the map; spellings bloomed after.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumHawaiian, Hebrew

MeaningVariant of Malia/Maleah, the Hawaiian form of Mary (Maria), traditionally linked to 'beloved' or 'bitter'

U.S. rank (2024)#3542 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births44 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,127

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Maleia is a spelling of Malia or Maleah — the Hawaiian form of Mary (Maria), whose ancient root Miryam is read as 'beloved' or 'bitter'. The Obama daughters' fame sent the sound up the charts, and creative spellings multiplied.

It registers thinly in recent records. Rare, island-warm, and Maria-rooted.

Did you know? Malia Obama made the Hawaiian Mary a household name in 2009 — and parents responded with a reef of spellings: Maleia, Maleah, Maliyah, all the same beloved root.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Malia — Hawaiian Mary

Variations

MaliaMaleahMaliyah

Nicknames

MaliLeia

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Maleia…

Malia— the standard Hawaiian Mary spelling

Maleah— the -eah sister form

Amaya— a fellow vowel-rich modern favorite

Kaia— the companion island-flavored name

→ See all names like Maleia

Browse the whole category: All Hawaiian names → · All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Maleia?

Maleia is pronounced mə-LAY-ə (/məˈleɪ.ə/). Press play above to hear Maleia said aloud.

How do you say Maleia?

Maleia is said mə-LAY-ə (/məˈleɪ.ə/). Press play above to hear Maleia said aloud.

What does the name Maleia mean?

Maleia is a variant of Malia, the Hawaiian form of Mary, traditionally linked to 'beloved' or 'bitter'.

Is Maleia a boy or girl name?

Maleia is a girl's name.

How popular is Maleia?

Maleia is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Malia is the familiar form.