Mala

girlSanskrit (India)Hindu

Mala is a Hindu girl name of Sanskrit (India) origin, meaning “Garland or necklace”.

MeaningGarland or necklace
GenderGirl
OriginSanskrit (India)
PronunciationMAH-lah
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia

Meaning and origin of Mala

Mala comes from Sanskrit, where it names a flower garland or a strand of beads. The same word is used for the prayer beads of Hindu and Buddhist practice. Hindu families in particular give it to daughters, and it is well known in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Some older name lists claim an Arabic meaning for it, but the word has no Arabic root at all.

Is Mala a Hindu name?

Mala is not a traditional Muslim name, since it comes from Sanskrit and is mostly used by Hindu families; Malak, Manal and Maleeha are similar-sounding names with Islamic backgrounds.

How popular is Mala?

Common in India and Nepal, mainly among Hindu families.

Gifts with the name Mala

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Spellings and variants of Mala

Maala

Names similar to Mala

More Hindu girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Mala mean?

Mala means 'Garland or necklace'. It is of Sanskrit (India) origin.

Is Mala a Hindu name?

Mala is not a traditional Muslim name, since it comes from Sanskrit and is mostly used by Hindu families; Malak, Manal and Maleeha are similar-sounding names with Islamic backgrounds.

How do you pronounce Mala?

Mala is pronounced MAH-lah.

Is Mala a boy or girl name?

Mala is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.