The name Malibu is of Native American origin and it is derived from the Chumash tribe's word "Humaliwo". The Chumash people were indigenous to the coastal region of Southern California, where they lived for thousands of years before European contact.
"Humaliwo" means "the surf sounds loudly" in English. It refers to the powerful waves that crash along the Pacific Coastline near what is now known as Malibu, California. The name was given to this area by the Chumash people who inhabited it and it has since become synonymous with the region's beautiful beaches, celebrity residents, and luxury lifestyle.
The use of Malibu as a given name for girls began in the mid-20th century, likely inspired by the popularity of the location itself. It gained further recognition when it was used as a character name in various forms of media, such as the television show "Malibu, CA" which aired from 1998 to 1999.
Today, Malibu is still primarily associated with its geographical origins and continues to evoke images of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an affluent lifestyle. As a given name for girls, it remains relatively uncommon but has been adopted by some families who appreciate its connection to nature and unique sound.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Malibu in the United States from 1994 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a total of 131 babies named Malibu.
The year with the highest number of Malibu births was 2023, with 27 newborns sharing this name. This is more than double the number of Malibu births in any other single year during this time frame.
Interestingly, there were several years where only one baby named Malibu was born: 1994, 1999, and 2003 each had a single Malibu birth. Conversely, there were also multiple years with no reported births of the name Malibu, such as 2007 to 2008, and 2011 to 2014.
Overall, while Malibu may not be one of the most popular baby names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence over time with at least some babies being named Malibu each year since 1994.