Rakotomalala is a common Malagasy last name. Malagasy are citizens of Madagascar, the largest island in the Indian Ocean. Rakoto is a common root for many Malagasy last names. Malala means "beloved". The name is so common that it is shared by a former
prime minister, a UN
representative and a singer who are not related. There are Rakotomalala present in 14 different countries, which is a large number for a total Malagasy
population of 28 Million people.