Malai is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "malay," which means "mountain." It is often associated with the Malayali people, who are native to the Malabar region in India's Kerala state.
The name Malai has been used historically among both men and women in various regions across India. In some cases, it has been used as a surname, particularly among the Malayali community.
Despite its origins, the name Malai does not have any specific religious significance or association with particular holidays or celebrations. It is simply a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be used today.
Overall, Malai is a unique and distinctive name that reflects its Indian heritage while also having a broader appeal due to its simple and elegant sound.
The name Malai has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past two decades, with fluctuations from year to year. Between 2005 and 2023, there were a total of 186 babies named Malai born in the U.S.
The years with the highest number of Malai births were 2020 and 2007, with 17 and 16 births respectively. Conversely, the years with the lowest number of Malai births were 2011 and 2016, each with only 5 births.
It's interesting to note that there was a slight increase in Malai births from 2019 to 2020 (from 10 to 17), but the most recent data available shows a decrease to 11 births in 2022, followed by another decrease to 10 births in 2023.
Overall, while Malai may not be one of the most common names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence over time. It will be interesting to see how many babies are named Malai in future years as data becomes available.