Mahlath as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Mahlath

What is the meaning of the name Mahlath ?

The baby name Mahlath is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced MAH-lahth (approx.); IPA approximation: /ˈmɑlɑtʰ/.

Mahlath is in Origin.

Mahlath is a rare Hebrew feminine name, a transliteration variant of Mahalath/Machalath (Hebrew: מחלת). It appears in the Hebrew Bible for two women: Esau’s Ishmaelite wife (Genesis 28:9) and Mahalath, a wife of King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:18). The term also occurs in the superscriptions of Psalms 53 and 88 (le‑mahalath), likely as a musical direction or tune name, indicating the word had liturgical associations.

Scholars debate its root and meaning. Many connect it with chalah “to be weak/afflicted,” yielding senses like “sickness” or “affliction,” while others view the psalmic usage as a reference to a stringed instrument or specific melody, hence “lyre” or “mahalath-tune.” Because of this uncertainty, modern name guides vary. Variants include Mahalath, Machalath, Mahalat, and Mahlat; do not confuse with Mahlah (a different biblical name). Usage today is uncommon in Jewish and Christian communities, appealing to those seeking an obscure biblical choice.

⚙ Mahlath turns up in none of the birth registries or name datasets we cover. That usually points to a very rare, regional, or newly coined name. Whatever the reason, hardly anyone else has it.