Malik
MA-lihk
Malik comes from the Arabic ملك (malik) meaning “king” or “sovereign.” It is one of the 99 names of God in Islam (al-Malik, the King) and appears throughout the Quran.
The name has deep roots in Arabic, African, and South Asian cultures. In the US, it gained traction within African American communities during the 1970s as part of a broader embrace of Arabic and African names.
Malik peaked at No. 97 in 1996 with 4,026 births - a top-100 position. In 2024 it ranks No. 429 with 736 births, well below its 1990s height.
What the name Malik means
Malcolm X’s birth name was Malcolm Little; his adopted name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz helped popularise Malik as a given name in the 1960s and beyond.
Two syllables - mah-LEEK - are crisp and commanding. The stressed final syllable and clean consonants project authority in just five letters.
Though Malik has receded from the top 100, it retains strong cultural significance. It remains among the most popular Arabic-origin names in the US.
The name’s meaning - king - places it alongside Rex, Royal, and Kingston in the category of names that announce leadership and stature.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Malik
Malik - similar names
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