maliks

Malik is a term with roots in the Arabic word malik, meaning “king,” “ruler,” or “owner.” In historical Islamic governance, malik was used as a title for rulers of autonomous realms or senior officials, and it also functioned as an honorific for respected men. In Persianate and South Asian political culture, the title evolved into a designation for local nobles or landholders, often granted to chieftains or leading figures in rural communities. As a surname and given name, Malik spread broadly beyond its original regions, becoming common across Muslim-majority areas and their diasporas.

Today, Malik is one of the most widespread surnames in Pakistan and remains common in India, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, among Punjabi, Sindhi, Kashmiri, and other communities. The form Mallik, Malek, Malick, and Malik are transliteration variants, reflecting differences in language and script. In addition to being a surname, Malik is also used as a given name in some cultures. In regional contexts where the title persists, maliks may continue to be identified with lineage, land, or local leadership, though the title is now largely honorific rather than an official appointment.

The plural maliks can refer to multiple individuals bearing the name Malik or to several people who have held or been accorded the title of malik.