melek

Melek is a Turkish given name meaning “angel,” and it is also the Turkish word for the celestial being. The name is widely used in Turkey and among Turkish-speaking communities to convey benevolence, purity, or a positive cultural association, and it appears in literature and everyday speech as both a given name and a common noun.

Etymology and usage: The term Melek comes from the Arabic concept of angels, entering Turkish through historical linguistic contact with Arabic and Persian. In Turkish, the plural form is melekler, while Melek itself is used as a proper name with capitalization.

Variants and related names: Melek represents the standard Turkish spelling. In other languages and transliterations, related forms may appear as Malak or Malakh, reflecting different linguistic traditions or transliteration conventions.

Cultural references: In general usage, Melek denotes an angel in religious and cultural contexts within Turkish-speaking communities. In broader Semitic-influenced traditions, the root concept remains the same, and the name is sometimes employed in poetry and prose to evoke angelic imagery. In Yazidi tradition, Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel) is a central figure; while related in nomenclature, Melek Taus is a distinct entity within that faith, and Melek is not interchangeable with that name in doctrinal contexts.

Notable people: There are individuals named Melek in Turkish-speaking regions, including artists, athletes, and writers. The name is common enough to appear across various fields, but no single figure defines its public association.