Girl · 3743rd of 35,406
Mali
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
1,449
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2019
Peak Popularity Year
69
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Mali stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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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
Compare 19 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |