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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mali

Mali

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAH-lee /ˈmɑ.li/Medium

Meaning: Variously the West African place Mali (an empire/country) and the Thai mali, 'jasmine'; also a Welsh pet form of Mary; used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A place-name; jasmine: Mali is African/Thai. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'MAH-lee'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowAfrican, Thai
MeaningVariously the West African place Mali (an empire/country) and the Thai mali, 'jasmine'; also a Welsh pet form of Mary; used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#9406 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 89

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119762025

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

Mali is variously the West African place Mali (an empire/country) and the Thai mali, 'jasmine'; also a Welsh pet form of Mary; used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, modern name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'MAH-lee').

In the U.S. it appears in African-American and Thai families. Rare, a-place-and-jasmine at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Mali is variously the West African place (an empire/country) and the Thai mali, 'jasmine' — a lyrical name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'MAH-lee').
Overall data confidence 32%
References — Mali — unisex; routes layered

Variations

MalieMalyMalee

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Mali…

Malik— a kin Mal- African boys' name
Kofi— a fellow West African boys' name
Sekou— a sound-neighbor African boys' name
Massai— a similarly popular pick
Kamron— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Mali

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mali mean?

Mali is variously the West African place (an empire/country) and Thai 'jasmine'; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Mali?

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

Is Mali a boy or girl name?

Mali is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Mali?

Mali is a very rare name in the U.S.

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