MAHALIA  

Gender: F
Origin: Hebrew, variation of MAHALA
Meaning: "tender, affection"

An underused Biblical name, probably because it's so tightly identified with the Queen of gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson. Other variations include MAHALAH, MAHAYLA, MAHILA, MAHILIA, MEHALIA, MAHALI and MAHALYA.

Mahalia is being discussed in our message boards:

• Unexpected, soft, and pretty girl names?
• If I were a celeb. drop 2 add 1 with middles
• AA, BB, CC, DD....GIRLS!
• Please tell me your thoughts on the name 'Denali'
• planning for the future.... need one more

Read Nameberry blog posts about Mahalia:

• HEROINE NAMES: Worthy Women with Notable Names, Part 2: Cultural Icons
• AFRICAN-AMERICAN HEROINE NAMES
• MARDI GRAS NAMES: Baby Names from the Bayou