The baby name Mahalia is a Female name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced mə-HAY-lee-ə (IPA: /məˈheɪliə/).
Mahalia is Hebrew in Origin.
The baby name Mahalia is a Female name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced mə-HAY-lee-ə (IPA: /məˈheɪliə/).
Mahalia is Hebrew in Origin.
Mahalia is a feminine name rooted in the Hebrew onomastic tradition, generally understood as a later English elaboration of Mahala/Mahalah or the biblical Mahlah. The etymology is debated: modern name dictionaries often gloss it as "tenderness" or "affection," while older Hebrew lexica tie the underlying root to "illness" or "frailty"; some folk analyses associate it with the "praise" element in names like Mahalalel. In practice, Mahalia has been embraced for its gentle sound and lyrical, devotional tone rather than a strict literal meaning.
In English-language use since the 18th-19th centuries, the name is strongly identified with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, whose prominence helped cement it in African American naming. Contemporary bearers such as British singer Mahalia and Australian musician Mahalia Barnes have kept it in circulation. Variants include Mahala, Mahalah, Mahlah, Mahaliah, Mahaliyah; nicknames Hali, Hallie, and Lia.
| Mahalia Jackson Mahalia Jackson was a legendary American gospel singer, best known as one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Over a 40-year career, she helped bring gospel music to a wider audience through songs like "Move On Up a Little Higher," "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." |
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | 0 | #39 | 1 | 2,238 | |
| JM | 0 | #93 | 1 | 3,714 | |
| Switzerland | Girls | 2024 | #134 | 2 | 1,786 |
| AO | Girls | 0 | #217 | 1 | 4,575 |
| NA | Girls | 0 | #237 | 1 | 7,146 |
| JM | Girls | 0 | #238 | 22 | 7,507 |
| Canada | Girls | 2024 | #278 | 8 | 2,795 |
| TW | Girls | 0 | #289 | 1 | 8,139 |
| GH | Girls | 0 | #337 | 1 | 6,973 |
| QA | Girls | 0 | #342 | 2 | 15,378 |
| BR | 0 | #360 | 1 | 5,969 | |
| France | Girls | 2021 | #388 | 18 | 3,185 |
| BD | Girls | 0 | #406 | 1 | 8,413 |
| BO | 0 | #408 | 1 | 6,868 | |
| OM | Girls | 0 | #423 | 2 | 15,987 |
| PH | Girls | 0 | #429 | 1 | 13,098 |
| ZA | 0 | #473 | 2 | 14,421 | |
| PA | Girls | 0 | #515 | 4 | 9,861 |
| KW | Girls | 0 | #560 | 2 | 19,177 |
| CR | Girls | 0 | #571 | 3 | 11,342 |
| BH | 0 | #587 | 1 | 17,937 | |
| AE | Girls | 0 | #594 | 4 | 20,968 |
| SG | Girls | 0 | #630 | 3 | 18,916 |
| IN | Girls | 0 | #654 | 1 | 13,121 |
| LB | 0 | #690 | 1 | 13,263 | |
| NG | Girls | 0 | #826 | 1 | 15,093 |
| United States | Girls | 2024 | #867 | 50 | 8,487 |
| NL | Girls | 0 | #945 | 11 | 5,933 |
| BR | Girls | 0 | #992 | 1 | 12,708 |
| PE | Girls | 0 | #1,010 | 1 | 14,861 |
| SA | Girls | 0 | #1,013 | 2 | 25,931 |
| MY | Girls | 0 | #1,072 | 1 | 24,821 |
| ZA | Girls | 0 | #1,114 | 28 | 25,928 |
| CO | Girls | 0 | #1,151 | 2 | 16,140 |
| MA | 0 | #1,199 | 1 | 20,986 | |
| DZ | 0 | #1,233 | 2 | 20,130 | |
| ZA | Boys | 0 | #1,271 | 2 | 25,619 |
Mahalia is popular in 33 countries — most recent births per country:
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