174 Malay Girl Names With Tropical Elegance

Malay baby girl names are deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of the indigenous people. They are mainly found in the Malay Peninsula, the Malay Archipelago, and parts of Sumatra and Borneo. The names that these people adopted over centuries have become a symbol of their values, beliefs, and traditions. Let's explore the fascinating traditional and cultural history of Malay baby girl names.

The Malay people, over the years, have been influenced by numerous other cultures. Today they are a mix of Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous Malay traditions. There is a very strong Islamic presence, and this religious devotion has seeped into the naming system. A lot of the names assigned to baby girls today have roots in Arabic and emphasize the spiritual importance of Islamic beliefs within the Malay community (1)(2).

Culturally Malay baby girl names have a strong association with nature and the environment around them. They often signify the feeling of reverence and sense of harmony that the indigenous people have toward the environment. These names also highlight the familial bonds and the connections that they share within the community. However, the National Registration Department of Malaysia may not register names with negative meanings or certain names that represent colors, animals, or natural objects/phenomena.

Some traditional Malay names are also associated with positive characteristics and qualities and convey aspirations for beauty, strength, and affection. These names are bestowed by the parents because they are qualities that they hope and dream their child will one day possess. In addition, some names carry cultural and historical significance and are usually associated with famous figures from their history and folklore. Irrespective of the origin, the names that are chosen not only shape the individual identity of each Malay girl but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of the Malay community's values and heritage.

On This Page

Browse Baby Names By Gender

Browse Baby Names By Alphabet

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NameGenderMeaning
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Malaysia
Baby Girl Sign Girl To run; To go fast
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Kamilah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flawlessness; Perfection
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Farah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Happiness
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Khadijah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Premature child
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Asiyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grieved; Distressed; Caring one
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Samirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air
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Zarina
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Golden; Gold; Empress
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Jamilah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful
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Razan
Baby Girl Sign Girl Vineyard; Harmony; Calm
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Samiah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Elevated; Sublime; Supreme
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Zakiyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure
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Zunairah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Moonlight; Shine of the moon
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Asiah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grieved; Distressed
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Rima
Baby Girl Sign Girl White antelope; Advantage; Flax; To calm down; To quieten; Beloved; Goddess Durga
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Aishah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Living; Alive
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Naimah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleasantness; Tranquil; Happy; At ease
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Aidah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Guest; The one who's returning; Moon
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Sidratul
Baby Girl Sign Girl Cedar of the farthest point
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Saniah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Second child; Brilliant; Splendid
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Jalilah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Great; Exalted; Important
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Minah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Will; Helmet; Protection; Security
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Zainah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beauty; Grace
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Ramla
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sand; Grain of sand
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Suhailah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Level; Even; A bright star
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Zulaikha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Brilliant beauty; Bright and fair
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Tasmia
Baby Girl Sign Girl To mention the name of Allah; Giving name
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Zahirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Shining; Brilliant; Helper; Supporter
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Shalika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flute; A weaver
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Nadirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rare; Scarce; Precious
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Rahmah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Mercy; Compassion
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Sakinah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tranquility; Peace of mind
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Zuha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Forenoon; Sacrifice; Immolate
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Atiyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift; Present; Favor; Benefit; Boon
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Saleha
Baby Girl Sign Girl Virtuous
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Izzah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Powerful
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Arwaa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Softness; Lightness
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Athira
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is swift; Lightning; Jasmine; Fragrant; Sweet-smelling
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Ezzah
Baby Girl Sign Girl A person who gives honor; To be powerful
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Habibah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sweetheart; Lover; Beloved
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Alimah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Learned; Expert; Scholar
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Maziah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Whole; Complete; Virtuous
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Tanna
Baby Girl Sign Girl Earth; Weft
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Zarena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Golden; Female monarch
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Azizah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dear; Beloved; Esteemed; Precious; Cherished
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Farha
Baby Girl Sign Girl A happy woman; A Joyous time
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Zalina
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Golden
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Binti
Baby Girl Sign Girl Daughter; Girl
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Nabilah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble
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Seri
Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiance; Diffusing light; Beauty; Celery
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Faten
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of great charm; Intelligent; Wise
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Saidah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Happy; Lucky
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Sharifah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Eminent; Virtuous; Noble; Highborn; Honorable
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Azhara
Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiant; Shining; Bright; Clear
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Ramlah
Baby Girl Sign Girl A grain of sand
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Faizah
Baby Girl Sign Girl A victorious girl
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Faridah
Baby Girl Sign Girl A unique woman
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Haniah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleasant; Happy; Delighted
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Afifah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Chaste
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Shila
Baby Girl Sign Girl Stone; Conduct; Disposition; Character
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Tijah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Malay form of Khadija; Premature child
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Zaima
Baby Girl Sign Girl Chief; A woman with leadership qualities
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Mahirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Skilled; Competent
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Maizah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Distinguisher of good and bad; Discerning
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Joyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Life, Joy; To rejoice
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Musfirah
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light; Glowing face; White
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Seniya
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is praiseworthy
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Sadiah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Fortunate; Lucky
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Suleika
Baby Girl Sign Girl A variant of Zuleika
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Raga
Baby Girl Sign Girl Musical rhythm; Coloring; Elegant orchid; Body; Passion; Attachment
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Arwah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Female ibex; Mountain goat; Spirit
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Atika
Baby Boy Sign Boy Clean; Pure; Limpid
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Atikah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Clean; Pure; Limpid
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Atiqah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ancient; Archaic
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Cucu
Baby Girl Sign Girl A grandchild
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Diyanah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Religion; Creed
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Hafiza
Baby Girl Sign Girl Custodian; Guardian
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Khairunnisa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Goodness of women
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Madihah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Praiseworthy
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Maimunah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Auspicious; Blessed; Favorable
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Nurin
Baby Girl Sign Girl Light
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Pura
Baby Girl Sign Girl Purification; City
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Shafia
Baby Girl Sign Girl Healer; Pardon; Forgiveness; Pure
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Siti
Baby Girl Sign Girl Furrow
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Mawar
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rose
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Aafiyat
Baby Girl Sign Girl Health; Freedom from illness
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Aarifa
Baby Girl Sign Girl One endowed with great knowledge
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Aatiya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Giver
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Aayizah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Replacement
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Abaasa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lioness
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Adiputeri
Baby Girl Sign Girl First daughter or princess
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Aeni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Original, pure, and true
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Afeen
Baby Girl Sign Girl Forgiveness or one of a forgiving nature
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Ajaar
Baby Girl Sign Girl Reward
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Anoud
Baby Girl Sign Girl Brave; Strong and courageous
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Azarnoush
Baby Girl Sign Girl Right in faith
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Bunga
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flower
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Cahaya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiance
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Cempaka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Frangipani flower
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Cik
Baby Girl Sign Girl Malaya word for Miss
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Delima
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ruby; Pomegranate
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Exploring these Malay baby girl names will give you an insight into the values and culture of this land. From long to short and traditional to trendy, there are diverse options to choose from. So, your search will begin and end on a delightful note. Pick a name whose meaning resonates with you deeply. It would be best to shortlist the options that speak to you the most and then analyze them to find the right one for your daughter. This way, you can ensure that the name you decide fits your girl perfectly.

Infographic: Cheerful Malay Baby Girl Names That’ll Make You Smile

Malay is a language spoken in several Southeast Asian countries and is most commonly associated with Malaysia. Malay baby girl names are melodic and sweet-sounding. They also are unique, sounding pleasantly different. This has made them a popular choice among parents. This infographic will list some popular Malay girl names.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can non-Malay people use Malay baby girl names?

Using a Malay baby girl's name is open to all, irrespective of ethnicity. Prioritizing research into meanings and cultural connections is vital to select a name you and your child will value and honor. Examples of some remarkable multicultural titles from Malay culture include Nur, symbolizing 'light,' Melati, representing the graceful 'jasmine flower,' Zarina, capturing the essence of 'golden,' Kasih, embodying the essence of 'love,' and Fatimah, signifying 'to abstain.'

2. What are some naming traditions or customs in Malay culture?

In Malay cultures, names bear profound significance and are thoughtfully selected, comprising three components: a given name, a patronymic noun, and the father's given name. So if a baby girl is named Asiya binte Musa, Asiya represents the given name, Musa denotes the father's name, and binte serves as the patronymic noun, conveying 'daughter of.' Unlike Western traditions, the concept of family names is absent, and the father's name is appended as the final element (1).

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Malay socio-religious practices and rituals.
    https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/knowledge-bank/malay-socio-religious-practices-and-rituals#:~:text=Malays%20strictly%20observe%20the%20four
  2. Shuhaimi Bin Haji Ishak and Osman Chuah Abdullah; (2012); Islam and the Malay World: An Insight into the Assimilation of Islamic Values Mohd.
    https://idosi.org/wjihc/wjihc2(2)12/1.pdf
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Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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