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Malik

♂ Boy

Pronounced mah-LEEK /məˈliːk/High

Meaning: From Arabic malik meaning king, master, or sovereign; one of the 99 names of God in Islam (Al-Malik, The King)High

In 30 seconds: Malik is a majestic Arabic name meaning 'king' — one of the 99 names of God in Islam — a name of royal authority and spiritual depth that has become a beloved American classic.
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Origin HighArabic
MeaningFrom Arabic malik meaning king, master, or sovereign; one of the 99 names of God in Islam (Al-Malik, The King)
U.S. rank (2025)#437 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births724 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1996
Total births (all-time)≈ 49,591

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199619492025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Malik comes from the Arabic root m-l-k meaning king, to rule, or to possess. It is used as a title for kings and rulers across the Arabic-speaking world and appears as Al-Malik among the divine names in Islam.

In the United States, Malik has been popular in African-American communities since the 1970s, partly through Islamic naming conventions and partly through the general appeal of its regal meaning. It crossed into wider use in subsequent decades.

Did you know? Al-Malik (The King) is the third of the 99 names of God in Islamic tradition, making Malik a name of divine significance used by Muslims worldwide — and one of the reasons it carries such natural authority.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Malik — etymology and Islamic significanceU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MalekMaliq

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Malik Yoba (1967–present)
    American actor known for the television series New York Undercover.
  • ★Malik Sealy (1970–2000)
    American NBA basketball player; his death sparked widespread mourning in the basketball community.

If you like Malik…

Khalil— shares the Arabic origin and the same dignified spiritual depth
Tariq— fellow Arabic name with the same historical and Islamic heritage
Karim— shares the noble Arabic meaning (generous) and the same smooth two-syllable flow
Jamal— another graceful Arabic name with the same regal, internationally recognized quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Malik mean?

Malik means king or sovereign in Arabic; Al-Malik is also one of the 99 names of God in Islamic tradition.

How do you pronounce Malik?

It is said mah-LEEK /məˈliːk/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Malik a Muslim name?

Malik is widely used in Muslim communities as it appears in the 99 divine names of Allah, though it is used by people of all backgrounds.

Is Malik popular in the United States?

Yes, Malik has been popular in African-American communities since the 1970s and has broad recognition nationwide.