"sickness; weakness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Mahlon
Pronunciation: [ m-AYL-awn ]
Does Mahlon flow with your last name?
A rare biblical name from the beloved Book of Ruth
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Jewish
American
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Meaning & Origin
"great lord"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Mahlon
Mahlon is a Hebrew biblical name borne by one of the sons of Naomi and the first husband of Ruth in the Old Testament Book of Ruth. The name's meaning is debated among scholars, with some interpreting it as sickness or weakness from the Hebrew root halah, while others propose great lord or connect it to words for dance or joy. Whatever its etymology, Mahlon is one of the most distinctive minor biblical names, tied to one of scripture's most beloved stories.
Mahlon was used among devout Protestant communities in the 18th and 19th centuries when biblical names from the lesser-known books of the Old Testament were fashionable. It has rarely appeared in popular usage since, making it a truly rare vintage discovery for parents seeking uncommon biblical names.
In the Hebrew Bible, Mahlon is Ruth's first husband in the Book of Ruth, one of the most beloved stories in all of scripture. The Book of Ruth, one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman, is celebrated in both Jewish and Christian traditions for its themes of loyalty, love, and faith.
Historical Record
Mahlon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,740 babies have been named Mahlon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mahlon is past its peak , currently ranked #3,441 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mahlon appears in the Book of Ruth, one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman (the other being Esther)
- Mahlon Dickerson (1770-1853) served as both a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy in early American government
Mahlon in Other Languages
Greek
Μααλών
French
Mahlon
Hebrew
מַחְלוֹן
Spanish
Mahlón
Popularity Over Time
#3,441
Current Rank
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mahlon
M
Mahlon Dickerson
Politician
1770
American politician who served as U.S. Senator from New Jersey and as Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Jackson and...
American politician who served as U.S. Senator from New Jersey and as Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren
M
Mahlon (biblical) Fictional
Other
First husband of Ruth in the Old Testament Book of Ruth, son of Naomi and Elimelech from Bethlehem
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Compare Mahlon with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,441
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Christian Jewish American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Mal
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Christian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mahlon
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Girl Name
Mahlon is also used as a girl name, ranked #32924.
View Mahlon as a girl name →Similar Names
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Old English/Old German origin
"brave as a bear, bear strength"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mahlon
What does the name Mahlon mean?
"sickness; weakness" (from Hebrew). "great lord" (from Hebrew). Mahlon is a Hebrew biblical name borne by one of the sons of Naomi and the first husband of Ruth in the Old Testament Book of Ruth. The name's meaning is debated among scholars, with some interpreting it as sickness or weakness from the Hebrew root halah, while others propose great lord or connect it to words for dance or joy. Whatever its etymology, Mahlon is one of the most distinctive minor biblical names, tied to one of scripture's most beloved stories.
What is the origin of the name Mahlon?
Mahlon has Hebrew, Christian, Jewish, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "sickness; weakness". In Hebrew, it means "great lord".
Is Mahlon a boy or girl name?
Mahlon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3441. As a girl name, it is ranked #32924. Mahlon is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mahlon?
Mahlon is pronounced m-AYL-awn.
How popular is the name Mahlon?
Mahlon is currently ranked #3441 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mahlon?
Common nicknames for Mahlon include Mal.
What are good middle names for Mahlon?
Popular middle name pairings include Mahlon James, Mahlon Robert, Mahlon Edward, Mahlon Thomas, Mahlon David, Mahlon Alexander, and Mahlon John.
What are good sibling names for Mahlon?
Names that pair well with Mahlon as siblings include Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, Ezra, Levi, Miriam, and Esther.
How many syllables does Mahlon have?
Mahlon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mahlon a common or rare name?
Mahlon is an uncommon name, ranked #3441 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mahlon
Mahlon is a boy name with Christian, Jewish, and American origins . The name means "sickness; weakness" in Hebrew .
Is Mahlon a boy or girl name? Mahlon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,441 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #32,924. Mahlon is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mahlon is currently ranked #3,441 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mahlon has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYL-awn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mahlon include Mal. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis