Mal is an androgynous given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German 'mal', which means 'strife' or 'battle'. It has been used historically among various cultures, including Scandinavia, England, and Germany. The name Mal gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century and continues to be a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
"Mal had periods of popularity and decline over the past century and a half, with peaks in the 1940s-50s and again recently."