Malaysian baby names 2009

Written for BabyCenter Malaysia

Welcome to BabyCenter Malaysia's list of the most popular baby names in the country. Whether you are looking for a unique Malaysian name for a girl, or a typical name for a Malaysian boy, this list will give you an idea of our parents' favourite names.

This is our very first list, as we just turned one year old. Read more about BabyCenter Malaysia.

The official BabyCenter Most Popular Names lists have been a hit with parents and parents-to-be all over the world, and the launch of BabyCenter in Malaysia in December 2008 has finally allowed us to generate a list specifically for Malaysia, with data compiled from thousands of names supplied by BabyCenter Malaysia members who gave birth or were expecting a baby between January and December 2009.

So, whether you're looking for a name that will stand out from the crowd or something more traditional, here are the national favourites for 2009!

10 most popular boys' names
1. Adam
2. Danish
3. Aqil
4. Jayden
5. Ethan
6. Irfan
7. Rayyan
8. Isaac
9. Ian
10. Ryan

10 most popular girls' names
1. Alya
2. Hannah
3. Zara
4. Nurul
5. Sarah
6. Alyssa
7. Qaseh
8. Arissa - bakal nama adik danish jugak
9. Adriana
10. Qistina

A word about our boys' names
Names for boys that are popular the world over also made it into our list, albeit with a Malaysian twist. Welcome Rayyan and Jayden.

And while Adam, Ethan, Ian, Ryan and Isaac are familiar names, Aqil, Irfan and Danish are interesting additions – no doubt contributed by parents looking for something more unique to add to our muhibbah heritage.

Something for the girls

Again, it is interesting to see that names for girls that are popular all over the world are popular in Malaysia, too. Hannah, Adriana, Sarah (or Sara) and Zara have always been perennial favourites in other parts of the world.

However, some Malaysian parents are clearly thinking out of the box when it comes to their daughters' names. So, Selamat Harijadi to Qistina, Qaseh, Alya and Arissa.

Meanwhile, if you're still thinking about a name, try our baby name finder where you can search by origin or meaning, as well as alphabetically. You can also get more ideas for baby names according to your culture, religion and preferences.

And finally, if you have a few names in mind, but are just not sure which to go with, create a baby name poll and let other BabyCenter parents help you and your husband decide!