Malia is associated with the meaning “Calm, gentle waters; bitter” — a beautiful sentiment to see brought to life in your child’s room.
Malia is the Hawaiian adaptation of Mary, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Miriam. The original Hebrew root is debated, but most scholars connect it to meanings like "beloved," "bitter," or "drop of the sea." Malia carries the warmth of its Polynesian roots while keeping a direct thread back to one of the most ancient names in recorded history.