Unknown; likely a modern American blend or variant of Malaya.
Malayiah is a modern American creation, likely functioning as an elaborated variant of the name Malaya, which means 'free' in Tagalog. It may also be influenced by the sounds of names like Mariah or Alaiyah. Due to its recent emergence, it does not have a singular historical etymology.
Less common today
Malayiah isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,574 in 2022.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
