By Genomelink

Create Your Family Tree Map

SIGN UP

Malu First Name Meaning

Malu is a female name of Indian origin that means "Necklace, Garland." In the Samoan language, "malu" represents a female-specific tattoo of cultural significance. Traditionally, the malu covered the legs from just below the knee to the upper thighs and held symbolic meanings of sheltering and protection. Historically, only the district Paramount Chief's daughter was eligible to wear the malu, and women with the malu were expected to perform key ceremonial tasks. However, the significance of the malu has shifted over time, with less emphasis on chiefly qualifications and women of various backgrounds and ages being tattooed with the malu. The malu has become an important symbol of Samoan cultural identity, and there are accounts of non-Samoan women receiving the malu, although this practice is controversial and sometimes criticized as cultural appropriation. The contemporary meanings and significance of the malu are often debated, with changes being made by both the people who wear the tattoos and the tattooists who create them.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Malu first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Malu first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.