Malaika
2025 SSA
About Malaika
Malaika is a feminine name of Swahili and Arabic origins, meaning 'angel' or 'good spirit.' In Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, it's a commonly used name that carries spiritual significance. The name gained international recognition partly through the popular Swahili love song 'Malaika,' which has been covered by numerous international artists since the 1960s. While not widely used in Western countries, Malaika has seen some growth in multicultural communities. Parents are drawn to its melodic sound, meaningful etymology, and exotic yet accessible quality. The name combines spiritual depth with a gentle pronunciation that works well across linguistic boundaries.
Pronounced muh-LAH-ee-kuh.
As of October 2026, Malaika ranked #2344 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1390 in 1972.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,963 | 58 | 32.5 |
| 2015 | #2,796 | 63 | 35.3 |
| 2016 | #2,953 | 57 | 32.2 |
| 2017 | #2,562 | 69 | 40 |
| 2018 | #2,636 | 66 | 38.8 |
| 2019 | #3,117 | 52 | 31 |
| 2020 | #2,699 | 62 | 38.4 |
| 2021 | #2,405 | 75 | 45.7 |
| 2022 | #2,620 | 67 | 40.9 |
| 2023 | #2,479 | 72 | 44.9 |
| 2024 | #2,201 | 86 | 53.1 |
| 2025 | #2,344 | 78 | 48.5 |
World rankings
Similar names
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Malaika on lists
Famous Malaikas
- Malaika Firth (b. 1994)
Kenyan,British fashion model
- Malaika Meder
New Zealand plus,size model
- Malaika
South African Afro,pop music group
- Malaika Arora
Indian actress, dancer, model, VJ, and television presenter
- Malaika Vaz
filmmaker and the youngest person to have been on an expedition to both the Antarctica and Arctic at the age of 16
Malaika in pop culture
- "Malaika"
Swahili love song
- Malaika
elephant in the 1998 film "Malaika"