Rising since 1985, #1,466 for boys today.
Popularity of Malek since 1974
Babies named Malek per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 85 |
| 1990s | 505 |
| 2000s | 780 |
| 2010s | 924 |
| 2020s | 761 |
Meaning & origin
Malek entered U.S. naming records in 1974 and has been on a rising trajectory since at least 1985. As of 2025, it stood at rank 1466 with about 1 in 14,116 male births, having peaked in popularity in 2023. The name is most commonly given in Oregon, Michigan, and Washington, reflecting its steady spread across diverse communities. Its straightforward pronunciation and powerful meaning have contributed to its enduring appeal among families seeking an Arabic name that is both traditional and accessible in English-speaking contexts.
Malek derives from the Arabic root m-l-k, meaning "to possess" or "to rule." It is a direct transliteration of the Arabic name مَالِك, which appears in the Quran as a name for one of the angels assigned to Hell. The name has been common across the Muslim world for centuries.
Where Malek is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Malek” around the world
Where Malek lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Quebec
24
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Malek
Names that share Malek's style, for a brother or sister.
