Malala
Fact sheet
- Name
- Malala
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 3
Malala is a female first name that is considered a variant of Malalai. Its meanings include terms like 'the suffering one', 'the sad one', and 'the sorrowful one'.
What does the name Malala mean?
Malala, a female variant of Malalai, carries the meanings 'the suffering one', 'the sad one', and 'the sorrowful one'. The name has its roots in the Pashto word Malālei (ملالۍ), which describes sadness, grief, and sorrow. In Malagasy, Malala is translated as 'my favorite'. The name became famous through the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan.
Where does the name Malala come from?
The first name Malala has Pashto origins and means 'the suffering one'.
How do you pronounce Malala?
Ma-la-la
Popularity
In Germany, Malala is a fairly well-known first name. In 2023, it ranked 3,880th on the list of the most common female baby names. Malala reached its highest ranking in 2016 at 3,055th place. Over the last ten years, it has been chosen as a first name about 20 times, which places it at 5,874th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, the name ranks 6,444th.
Nicknames & pet names
Ala / Lala / Mai / Mala / Malalala / Mali
Famous people
- Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Peace Prize laureate)
Frequently asked questions about the name Malala
What does the name Malala mean?
Malala is a female form of the name Malalai and means 'the suffering one', 'the sad one', or 'the sorrowful one'.
Where does the name Malala come from?
The first name Malala has its roots in Pashto, where it is derived from the word Malālei (ملالۍ) and is widespread in various cultures such as Afghan, Arabic, and Pakistani.
How popular is the name Malala?
Malala has become particularly well-known through the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and is gaining popularity, especially in international contexts.