Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Mali' originates from the Mali Empire in West Africa and means 'hippopotamus' in the Bambara language. Its usage has evolved over centuries from the empire's prominence to modern contexts, where it is appreciated for its cultural significance. The name does not have biblical relevance but has gained popularity in recent years as a strong and meaningful choice.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːli/
Origin
African
Etymology
The name 'Mali' is derived from the Mali Empire, a powerful West African empire that existed from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The word itself means 'hippopotamus' in the Bambara language, which is spoken in Mali.
Meaning
hippopotamus
Language Evolution
Mali Empire (13th century), Bambara language, Modern usage in various cultures
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 20th century as a name for both girls and boys, influenced by the cultural significance of the Mali Empire and its historical legacy.
Variants & Derivatives
Malie, Maliyah, Malik
Modern Popularity & Image
Mali is perceived as a unique and culturally rich name, often associated with strength and heritage. It is increasingly popular in various parts of the world.
Famous People
Mali Music (American singer), Mali D. (Bassist and producer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 69 peak births in 2019
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (19 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 19 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 9847th of 10718 | 7 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18390th of 24088 | 16 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11719th of 23106 | 53 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10176th of 19264 | 44 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7487th of 27321 | 154 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3743rd of 35406 | 613 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3414th of 30306 | 557 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
94.98% 4352nd/4582 |
72.93% 3766th/5164 |
70.46% 5153rd/7313 |
55.65% 4153rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
88.13% 3511th/3984 |
57.21% 2567th/4487 |
55.16% 3763rd/6822 |
59.32% 3723rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in California across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9847th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18390th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11719th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10176th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7487th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3743rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3414th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.