Mali, derived from the Latin 'male' meaning 'male', is a unisex given name of Latin origin that has gained popularity in recent times. It is often used as a short form of Malina or Malcolm but can also stand alone as a unique and modern choice for a child's name. Mali is composed of just three letters, making it an easy-to-write and pronounce option for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name for their baby. While it has been traditionally associated with boys due to its connection with Malcolm, Mali has also begun to be used more frequently as a girl's name in recent years. Its meaning, suggesting maleness or masculinity, can be considered gender-neutral when taken out of context from its original association with Malcolm. Parents may choose Mali for their child due to its simplicity and uniqueness while still offering a rich historical background. In some cases, it might also be chosen as a tribute to the African country of the same name, Mali, known for its vibrant culture, ancient cities like Timbuktu, and influential musicians such as Salif Keita and Oumou Sangaré.
The name Mali experienced a significant spike in popularity in recent years, with a total of 72 births recorded between 1976 and 2023. While the number of babies named Mali remained consistently low throughout most of this period, there was a notable increase from 5 births in 2014 to 11 births in 2021, suggesting that this name may have gained favor among parents more recently.