Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Malik
BoyArabic· “king”
- Meaning
- king
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- MAH-lihk
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #437
- US babies 2025
- 724
- Best rank
- #97 (1996)
- Peak year
- 1996
Meaning and origin of Malik
Malik is an Arabic name that means “king”.
Malik is the Arabic word for king, and in Islamic tradition al-Malik, the King, is one of the ninety-nine names of God. It was borne by Malik ibn Anas, the eighth-century scholar who founded one of the main schools of Islamic law. The name is used throughout the Arab world, South Asia and Muslim communities worldwide, and it has been popular among African American families in the United States. Malik has a strong, simple sound and a clear, stately meaning. Some families say it with the stress on the second syllable, muh-LEEK.
Other spellings with the same sound: Malick.
Popularity over time
Malik first appears in US Social Security records in 1949. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 56 different years, starting in 1970. Its best national rank was #97 in 1996, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,026 babies. In 2025, 724 babies were named Malik, and it ranked #437 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #667 in 1980, #176 in 2000, #283 in 2010, and #437 in 2025. Of the 49,607 US boys named Malik since records began, 36% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 14,766 babies. Since 2010, 13,965 more have been named Malik.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Alec, Collin, Grant, Devon, and Antonio.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Malik ranked highest in Maryland, Michigan, and Illinois.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Malik is usually pronounced MAH-lihk, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-ik”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Malick.
Middle names for Malik
A few middle names that flow with Malik: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Malik
Similar names
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Lists that include Malik
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Malik mean?
Malik is an Arabic name that means “king”.
What is the origin of the name Malik?
Malik has Arabic roots. Malik is the Arabic word for king, and in Islamic tradition al-Malik, the King, is one of the ninety-nine names of God.
Is Malik a popular name?
Yes. Malik ranked #437 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Malik a boy or girl name?
Malik is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Malik?
Malik is usually pronounced MAH-lihk. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings