Malin is of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'mál' meaning 'meeting place of streams'. It gained popularity in Sweden during the late 20th century and has since become one of the most common female names in the country. The name is often associated with nature due to its etymology, which can contribute to its appeal for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter. Malin is also the name of a famous Swedish actress, Malin Åkerman, further popularizing the name internationally.
The name Malin experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, reaching its peak in 2011 with 61 births. However, it has since seen a decrease, with only 20 births recorded in 2023.