málik

Málik is a given name and surname of Arabic origin, often transliterated as Malik or Malek in English. The form with an acute accent appears in some transliterations to indicate vowel length or stress, but it is not standardized in English-language usage.

Etymology and meaning: Málik derives from the Arabic root malik, meaning king, sovereign, or owner. In Islamic tradition, Al-Malik (The King) is one of the 99 Names of Allah, reflecting the concept of ultimate authority and dominion.

Usage and distribution: The name is widely used across Arabic-speaking communities and in Muslim-majority regions. It is common in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia), North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and among diasporic communities worldwide. As a given name, Malik is typically masculine; feminine forms include Malika, Malika or Malekah in various languages.

Variants and related names: Variants include Malek, Malekeh, Malick, Maliki, and Malikah in feminine forms. The name is also found as a surname, especially in places where Arabic influence or Muslim populations are present.

Cultural notes: In addition to its use as a personal name, Malik appears in literature, film, and music in various cultures, reflecting its broad appeal and the strong royal or sovereign connotations of the root meaning.

See also: Malik (disambiguation) and Al-Malik.