Malaya

Meaning of Malaya

It can mean "free" or "independent." It can also refer to the country of Malaysia or the Malay people.

Malaya has Filipino/Malay roots — browse every Filipino/Malay baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Malaya

Malaya is climbing again, up to #775 in 2025 from #813 in 2024 after peaking at #633 in 2013.

Notable people named Malaya

• Malaya Watson
  American Idol finalist
• Malaya Rivera Drew
  American actress
• Malaya Lewin
  Australian actress
• Malaya Bronaugh
  American singer-songwriter
• Malaya Roldan
  Filipina beauty queen

Questions about the name Malaya

What does the name Malaya mean?

Malaya means it can mean "free" or "independent." it can also refer to the country of malaysia or the malay people, and it comes from Filipino/Malay origins.

Is Malaya a boy's or a girl's name?

Malaya is most commonly used as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Malaya?

In 2025, Malaya ranked #775 for girls, up from #813 the year before.

When was Malaya most popular?

Malaya peaked at #633 in 2013.