Mahlah: a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick".It derives from the Hebrew word "mā'lu > machlâh".
Parents seeking a meaningful both name often discover Mahlah, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Mahlah
Quick facts about Mahlah
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Unisex
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
mā'lu > machlâh
How to Pronounce Mahlah
Mahlah is pronounced /ˈmɑː.lə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Mah-lah
Say it like: "MAH-LAH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Mahlah is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahlah
What does the name Mahlah mean?
Mahlah means "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad.". The name comes from mā'lu > machlâh. In its original form, the name derives from machlâh (מַחְלָה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Mahlah for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Mahlah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Mahlah?
Mahlah is a hebrew name. The name traces back to mā'lu > machlâh. The original form machlâh (מַחְלָה) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Mahlah a boy or girl name?
Mahlah is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Mahlah works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In hebrew tradition, Mahlah has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Mahlah?
Mahlah is pronounced "/ˈmɑː.lə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Mahlah is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Mahlah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root mā'lu > machlâh influences how Mahlah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Mahlah?
Mahlah is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Mahlah offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Mahlah's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Mahlah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Mahlah commonly used?
Mahlah is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Mahlah found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Mahlah into their naming traditions. A child named Mahlah will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Mahlah is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Mahlah?
Mahlah carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew “mā’lu > machlâh,” meaning “infermity, weary, weak, sick.” There are several characters in the Bible including: 1) Mahalah, the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh, and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. 2) Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, son of Hagar, sister of Nebaioth, and the woman Esau took as his third wife. 3) Mahalath, the first of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam who had sixty concubines. She was David’s granddaughter. 4) Mahlah, one of the daughters of Zelophehad." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Mahlah originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Mahlah sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Mahlah often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.