UK girl's name
Mahalia
A feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly Hebrew, possibly African, likely meaning "humble".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Mahalia is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Mahalia popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2000, with 14 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2023, with 14 births.
This profile covers 166 England and Wales registrations across 27 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 165 living people in the UK are called Mahalia. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Mahalia ranked #2000 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 14 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2023, when 14 girls were registered as Mahalia.
- • About 165 living people in the UK are estimated to have Mahalia as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#2000
2024
Births in 2024
14
Latest year
Peak year
2023
14 births
Estimated living
165
2026
Meaning
What does Mahalia mean?
The name Mahalia has its origins in the African-American community, derived from the Hebrew name "Miryam" or "Miriam." It gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly among African Americans who drew inspiration from biblical and religious sources.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Mahalia can be traced back to the 19th century. Mahalia Jackson, the renowned gospel singer and civil rights activist, was born Mahalia Jackson on October 26, 1911, and passed away on January 27, 1972. Her powerful vocals and unwavering commitment to social justice made her a cultural icon, and her name became synonymous with the African-American struggle for equality.
Another notable figure bearing the name Mahalia was Mahalia Haizlip, an American author and television host. Born in 1936, she published several books exploring the experiences of biracial individuals and was a trailblazer in promoting diversity and inclusion in the media. Haizlip passed away in 1994.
In the realm of literature, Mahalia Coulridge was a character in Toni Morrison's acclaimed novel "Song of Solomon," published in 1977. Morrison's portrayal of Mahalia contributed to the name's cultural significance and resonance within the African-American community.
Moving into the realm of sports, Mahalia Sanford was a renowned basketball player who played for the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters from 2000 to 2004. She led her team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and was a standout player, showcasing the strength and resilience associated with the name Mahalia.
While the name Mahalia has its roots in the African-American community, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained recognition globally. For instance, Mahalia Kuper was a South African anti-apartheid activist born in 1899, who fought tirelessly for racial equality and human rights until her passing in 1991.
The name Mahalia has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and a commitment to social justice. Its historical significance, rooted in the African-American experience, has given it a profound cultural resonance that continues to inspire and empower individuals across generations.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Mahalia over time
The chart below shows babies named Mahalia registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Mahalia, the clearest high point is 2023. The latest England and Wales figure is 14 births in 2024, compared with 14 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Mahalia by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Mahalia was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #2361 | 58 | 5 |
| 2010s | #4656 | 35 | 8 |
| 2000s | #3324 | 53 | 10 |
| 1990s | #2723 | 20 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Mahalia
- Megan 70,884
- Mia 67,204
- Molly 47,734
- Millie 44,390
- Maisie 32,671
- Matilda 29,965
- Maya 26,445
- Madison 18,441
- Maria 17,304
- Mollie 15,914
- Martha 15,116
- Maddison 14,918
FAQ
Mahalia: questions and answers
How popular is the name Mahalia in the UK right now?
In 2024, Mahalia was ranked #2000 for girls in England and Wales, with 14 births registered.
When was Mahalia most popular?
The peak year on record was 2023, with 14 babies registered as Mahalia in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Mahalia?
A feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly Hebrew, possibly African, likely meaning "humble".
How many people are called Mahalia in the UK?
A total of 166 babies have been registered as Mahalia across the 27 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.