NameCensus.

UK boy's name

Malo

Of Samoan origin meaning "warning" or "honor".

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.

Malo is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Malo popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3688, with 5 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2013, with 10 births.

This profile covers 66 England and Wales registrations across 13 recorded years from 2001 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 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 66 living people in the UK are called Malo. 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

  • Malo ranked #3688 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 5 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2013, when 10 boys were registered as Malo.
  • About 66 living people in the UK are estimated to have Malo as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#3688

2024

Births in 2024

5

Latest year

Peak year

2013

10 births

Estimated living

66

2026

Meaning

What does Malo mean?

The name Malo originated from the Tongan language, which is spoken in the Polynesian island nation of Tonga. The name is believed to have been derived from the word "malo," which means "to be peaceful" or "to be content." The earliest known references to the name can be traced back to the 15th century.

In Tongan culture, the name Malo was often given to boys with the hope that they would grow up to be peaceful and content individuals. It was also a common name among the Tongan nobility and royalty, as it was seen as a name that embodied the values of tranquility and contentment, which were highly valued in Tongan society.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Malo was Malo Ngata, a Tongan chief who lived in the late 17th century. He was known for his wisdom and leadership, and played a significant role in resolving conflicts between various Tongan clans.

Another notable figure with the name Malo was Malo Tuipulotu, a Tongan prince who lived in the early 19th century. He was instrumental in helping to establish diplomatic relations between Tonga and other nations, and played a key role in protecting Tongan sovereignty during a time of increasing foreign influence in the region.

In the late 19th century, a Tongan man named Malo Mahina gained recognition for his contributions to Tongan literature and poetry. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Tongan writers of his time, and his works helped to preserve and promote Tongan culture and traditions.

In the 20th century, Malo Fa'ogatā Vaha'i was a prominent Tongan politician and diplomat. He served as the Prime Minister of Tonga from 1966 to 1970, and played a crucial role in shaping the country's foreign policy during a period of decolonization in the Pacific region.

Another notable figure with the name Malo was Malo Hoskins, a Tongan-American artist and sculptor who gained recognition for his intricate and detailed wood carvings. He was born in 1926 and his works are widely celebrated for their fusion of traditional Tongan motifs with contemporary artistic styles.

While the name Malo has its origins in Tonga, it has also been adopted by other cultures and communities around the world, particularly in areas with strong Polynesian influence or connections. However, the name remains deeply rooted in Tongan culture and history, and continues to be a popular name choice among Tongan families.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Malo over time

The chart below shows babies named Malo registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2001 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 Malo, the clearest high point is 2013. The latest England and Wales figure is 5 births in 2024, compared with 10 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Malo
035810200120122024

Decades

Malo by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Malo 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 #3093 32 5
2010s #3564 17 3
2000s #3331 17 5

Related

Names similar to Malo

FAQ

Malo: questions and answers

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

In 2024, Malo was ranked #3688 for boys in England and Wales, with 5 births registered.

When was Malo most popular?

The peak year on record was 2013, with 10 babies registered as Malo in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Malo?

Of Samoan origin meaning "warning" or "honor".

How many people are called Malo in the UK?

A total of 66 babies have been registered as Malo across the 13 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.