Rising since 2009, #2,691 for girls today.
Popularity of Malika since 1966
Babies named Malika per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 819 |
| 1980s | 813 |
| 1990s | 1,377 |
| 2000s | 740 |
| 2010s | 729 |
| 2020s | 459 |
Meaning & origin
Malika, meaning 'queen', has held a steady if modest presence in U.S. births since its first recorded appearance in 1966. Its peak came in 1996, when it ranked highest in usage. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2009, reflecting a broader resurgence of classic Arabic names. Though never reaching the top tiers, Malika has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, and California, states with large Arabic-speaking and Muslim populations. For parents seeking a name that combines royal dignity with cultural depth, Malika offers a meaningful choice with a clear heritage.
Malika is the feminine form of Malik, derived from the Arabic root 'm-l-k' meaning 'to possess' or 'to rule'. The name directly translates to 'queen' or 'ruler'. It has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally, often chosen for its regal and empowering connotations.
Where Malika is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Malika” around the world
Where Malika lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
145
babies in 2024
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mali, Lika
Sibling names for Malika
Names that share Malika's style, for a brother or sister.
