Mahalie is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "malakhi," which translates to "messenger" or "angel." The name Mahalie is believed to have been coined by the American author and poet, Langston Hughes, who used it in his works.
In his novel "Not Without Laughter," published in 1930, Hughes introduced the character Mahalia, a young African-American girl. Although the name was initially spelled with one 'l,' it has since evolved into Mahalie, which is now more commonly recognized as such.
Mahalie's origin and meaning make it an intriguing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its association with angelic qualities and messages gives it a celestial and inspiring touch. Despite its Hebrew roots, Mahalie has gained popularity in various cultures around the world, adding to its distinctive charm.
The name Mahalie has been given to a total of 194 babies in the United States over the years. While it is not one of the most popular names, it has had periods of popularity.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were several years where more than five babies were named Mahalie. The highest number of births in a single year during this time was 11 in 1918.
After a decline in popularity for many decades, the name Mahalie saw a resurgence in recent years. There were six births in 1995 and then another peak of 12 births in 1998. Since then, there have been several years where more than five babies were named Mahalie.
Overall, while not extremely common, the name Mahalie has been given to a significant number of babies in the United States over the years. It is clear that this name has had periods of popularity and continues to be chosen by parents today.