Meaning & Origin
A peninsula and geographic region of Southeast Asia constituting the southern part of the Malay Peninsula and several nearby islands, currently forming the western part of Malaysia; now known as West Malaysia or Peninsular Malaysia.
Malaya is a girl's baby name of Malay origin, referring to the Malay Peninsula, with roots in the Sanskrit malaya meaning "mountain range" or "hills." It is also used as a Tagalog word in the Philippines meaning "free" or "liberated."
Malaya has grown in the United States as an exotic yet melodic name with a strong, empowering meaning. Its connection to freedom gives it particular resonance for parents seeking names with a positive, aspirational message.