NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Malaz

A feminine Arabic name derived from "malaz" meaning refuge or shelter.

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.

Malaz is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Malaz popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4843, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2011, with 4 births.

This profile covers 24 England and Wales registrations across 7 recorded years from 2011 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 24 living people in the UK are called Malaz. 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

  • Malaz ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2011, when 4 girls were registered as Malaz.
  • About 24 living people in the UK are estimated to have Malaz as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#4843

2024

Births in 2024

4

Latest year

Peak year

2011

4 births

Estimated living

24

2026

Meaning

What does Malaz mean?

The name Malaz is believed to have originated from the ancient Semitic languages spoken in the Middle East. While its exact etymology is uncertain, some scholars suggest it may be derived from the Aramaic root "mlz," meaning "to escape" or "to flee." This could potentially link the name to concepts of freedom, refuge, or protection.

In ancient times, the name Malaz was primarily found in areas where Aramaic and other Semitic languages were spoken, such as modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and parts of Iraq and Iran. Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the 5th century BCE, as evidenced by inscriptions and historical documents from the region.

While the name Malaz does not appear to have any direct references in major religious scriptures or ancient texts, it was likely used among the common people in various Semitic-speaking communities throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Malaz was a merchant from the ancient city of Palmyra (modern-day Syria), who lived during the 3rd century CE. His name appears in several inscriptions and trade records from the time, indicating his involvement in the lucrative spice trade routes that passed through the region.

Another notable figure was Malaz ibn Abi Sufyan, a 7th-century Arab military commander who fought alongside the Muslim armies during the early Islamic conquests. He is mentioned in several historical accounts for his role in the Battle of Yarmouk in 636 CE, which secured Muslim control over parts of the Levant.

In the 10th century, a Persian scholar named Malaz al-Isfahani gained recognition for his contributions to the field of Islamic jurisprudence. His works on Islamic law and legal theory were widely studied and referenced by subsequent scholars.

During the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and Syria (13th-16th centuries), a prominent governor named Malaz al-Maliki held power in various regions, including Damascus and Aleppo. He is known for his efforts in fortifying cities and strengthening the sultanate's defenses against external threats.

In more recent times, one of the most famous individuals with the name Malaz was an Afghan poet and writer, Malaz Gul Khân Nâṣir (1856-1938). His works, written in Pashto and Persian, explored themes of love, spirituality, and the beauty of nature, earning him a respected place in Afghan literature.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Malaz over time

The chart below shows babies named Malaz registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2011 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 Malaz, the clearest high point is 2011. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2024, compared with 4 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Malaz
01234201120172024

Decades

Malaz by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Malaz 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 #5306 10 3
2010s #5220 14 4

Related

Names similar to Malaz

FAQ

Malaz: questions and answers

How popular is the name Malaz in the UK right now?

In 2024, Malaz was ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.

When was Malaz most popular?

The peak year on record was 2011, with 4 babies registered as Malaz in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Malaz?

A feminine Arabic name derived from "malaz" meaning refuge or shelter.

How many people are called Malaz in the UK?

A total of 24 babies have been registered as Malaz across the 7 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.