Malakhai is a unique and distinctive given name of African origin, particularly from the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria. It means "my power" in the Igbo language, reflecting the cultural significance of strength and resilience. This name has gained international recognition due to its musical association with prominent figures like Malakhai Gregersen, the lead guitarist for the American rock band Breaking Benjamin. Despite its African roots, Malakhai is also used in other parts of the world, contributing to a global diversity of names and their meanings.
The name Malakhai experienced a significant rise in popularity over the years, with a steady increase in the number of births each year from 6 in 2002 to 42 in 2023. The most notable spikes occurred between 2019 and 2021, with an almost threefold increase from 34 to 39 to 42 births respectively. However, there were also periods of decrease or stagnation, such as the years 2006 to 2008 (5 to 11 to 14) and 2017 to 2019 (12 to 16 to 34). Overall, Malakhai has become more common in recent years.