The name Mahli originates from the Hebrew name מַחְלִי (Maḥli), which is derived from the root חָלָה (ḥala) meaning 'weak' or 'sick'. This name is associated with two minor characters mentioned in the Old Testament. In a broader cultural context, Mahli also refers to a community in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, known for their traditional occupation of basketry and their language, Mahali, which is part of the Munda group.