The name Mahlah originates from the Hebrew name מַחְלָה (Maḥla), which is derived from the root חָלָה (ḥala) meaning 'weak' or 'sick'. This name appears in the Old Testament as both a feminine and masculine name, with the masculine form sometimes spelled as Mahalah in certain Bible versions. The name reflects a historical context where names often carried significant meanings related to personal characteristics or circumstances.