Save the Last Dance had a character named Malakai, played by Fredro Star (born name Fred Lee Scruggs Jr). He was more famously known for his work with the rap group Onyx, whose hit "Slam" was wildly popular in the 90s. One of the most famous lines in the movie was when Derek, played by Sean Patrick Thomas, told Star "You wrong, Malakai." This one movie line is the most plausible explanation for the spike in parents naming their children Malakai during this time period.
One other little know tidbit from STLD, Kerry Washington played Derek's sister Chenille, paving the way for her to take the nation by storm in ABC hit Scandal