Origin and meaning of the name Maliha

The name Maliha is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "malihah" which means "a beautiful and noble woman". This name has gained popularity not only in Arabic-speaking countries but also in other parts of the world where Arabic culture has had an influence.

Learn more about the origin of the name Maliha

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Maliha

The name Maliha is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "Malihah," which means "lady" or "noble woman." It's a feminine given name popular among Muslims around the world and is particularly common in the Middle East and South Asia. The name carries an air of elegance and sophistication due to its historical roots. In certain contexts, Maliha might also be interpreted as "a beautiful one" or "the praised one," further emphasizing its regal connotation. Over time, variations of this name have emerged in different languages, such as Malihah, Malika, and Melis, among others. Despite these variations, the essence of the name – that of a noble and admired woman – remains consistent.

Character traits associated with the name Maliha

Maliha is often characterized by her strong-willed and determined nature. Her resilience, born from facing challenges with grace, imbues her with an innate ability to adapt and grow. She exhibits profound empathy towards others, making her a compassionate friend and a reliable confidant. Maliha's intelligence is evident in her innovative problem-solving abilities, and she frequently displays creativity in finding unique solutions. Her curiosity drives her to continually seek knowledge and understanding, positioning her at the forefront of many conversations. With an unwavering passion for justice, Maliha stands up for what she believes in and fights tenaciously for her convictions. Despite her assertiveness, she maintains a sense of humor that softens her intensity, making her approachable and well-liked by those around her.

Popularity of the name Maliha

The name Maliha is relatively uncommon globally but has notable significance in specific regions, particularly within South Asian and Arabic communities. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Maliha was not among the top 1000 baby girl names in the U.S. between 2010-2020. However, it enjoys a higher popularity in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United Arab Emirates, where it is often associated with qualities such as beauty, grace, and strength. The name Maliha derives from Arabic origin, meaning "one who tames horses," which may contribute to its positive connotations among certain cultures. Despite its relatively low global popularity, Maliha remains a cherished name in the families and communities where it is used.

Famous people with the name Maliha

Maliha Abotaleb, born in 1968, is a renowned Iranian-American television news anchor and journalist, who has made significant contributions to journalism. She joined ABC News in 2002 as the White House Correspondent, where she covered multiple presidential administrations and major breaking news events. In 2013, Abotaleb was named CNN's Chief International Correspondent, where her coverage included the Arab Spring, the Syrian civil war, and the Iraq War. Maliha is also recognized for her work as a documentary filmmaker, with her film "The Forgotten Battle" receiving critical acclaim.

Another notable figure named Maliha is Maliha Khan, an Indian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss India World 2017. She represented India in the Miss World 2017 competition, where she placed among the top 15 contestants. As a model, Maliha has walked for various designers at fashion weeks across India and has appeared on several magazine covers.

These two exceptional women, Maliha Abotaleb and Maliha Khan, exemplify success and achievement in their respective fields and continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Variations of the name Maliha

The name Maliha has several variations across different cultures and languages. Here are some of them:

1. Malika - an Arabic variation of the name, which means "queen" or "ruler."
2. Malihah - a variation in Arabic that is less commonly used but still meaningful, derived from the same root as Maliha.
3. Melekah - a Hebrew variant that also shares the same meaning as Maliha, referring to a queen or princess.
4. Malika-Jade - a bilingual name combining Arabic and French, where Malika means "queen" and Jade refers to the precious stone.
5. Maliah - an English variation of the name that is commonly used in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
6. Malikha - a Swahili variant, which has a similar meaning to the Arabic version, referring to a queen or ruler.
7. Melisa - a Turkish variation of the name, which shares the same root as Maliha but is pronounced differently and means "honeybee" in Turkish.
8. Malida - a Thai variant of the name, which has a different meaning and originates from Thailand. It is often used as a diminutive form of other names ending with "-mala."
9. Melissia - a Greek variation of the name Melisa, which also means "honeybee."
10. Maliha-Marie - a combination of Arabic and French, where Maliha refers to a queen or ruler, and Marie is a popular French female name meaning "bitter" or "rebellious."

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "maliha"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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