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Malala

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Girl

Meaning

Grieved; Sad

Linguistic Origin

Pashto

Islamic Classification

General Muslim usage

Regional Usage

South Asia

Global Spellings

Arabic ملالا
Urdu ملالہ
Persian ملاله
Bengali মালালা
Pashto ملاله

Alternate Spellings

Malala is a feminine title rich in history, originating from Pashto roots. The name holds the profound meaning of 'Grieved; Sad', reflecting qualities that parents often wish to bestow upon their child.

While popular in Pashto regions, Malala has a modern appeal that transcends borders. It is an excellent choice for a modern Muslim family honoring tradition.

Malala is a Pashto name honoring Malalai of Maiwand, a folk heroine remembered for rallying Afghan fighters in 1880.

Reference Profile

Etymology

From the Pashto malala, 'grief-stricken' - honoring Malalai of Maiwand, the Pashtun heroine of the 1880 battle, and borne by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.

Notable Historical Usage

Malalai of Maiwand rallied Afghan fighters at the battle of 1880; the name was later carried worldwide by Malala Yousafzai.

Cultural / Regional Usage

Used across Pashtun Muslim communities, particularly as a girl's name.