Last Name Malik

The last name "Malik" has various origins and meanings, depending on the cultural context. 1. Arabic Origin: In Arabic, "Malik" (مالك) means "king" or "ruler." It is derived from the Arabic word "mulk," meaning "to possess" or "to have authority." In this context, "Malik" can be a surname given to individuals from Arab, Middle Eastern, or Muslim communities. 2. Indian/Pakistani Origin: "Malik" is also a common surname among people of South Asian descent, particularly in India and Pakistan. In this context, it can have multiple meanings derived from different languages: a) Hindu origin: In Hindi, Punjabi, and some other Indian languages, "Malik" is often associated with the Kshatriya warrior caste, denoting "master" or "chief." It can also denote someone who owns lands or properties. b) Muslim origin: "Malik" is also used as a Muslim surname in South Asia, often found among individuals with Arab or Persian ancestry. In this case, its meaning is similar to the Arabic origin mentioned earlier. It's important to note that last names can have multiple origins and meanings, as they can be influenced by migration, historical events, cultural exchanges, and intermarriages over time.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Malik

Regarding its ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census reveals that the majority of those bearing the Malik surname identify as Asian/Pacific Islander, with numbers rising from 52.72% in 2000 to 66.60% in 2010. Those identifying as white decreased from 29.87% in 2000 to 22.20% in 2010. The percentage of individuals recognizing themselves as two or more races saw a significant drop from 8.90% to 3.30%, while the Hispanic community saw a slight rise from 1.47% to 1.70%. The number of Blacks reduced slightly from 6.74% to 6.13% and there was a dramatic decline in those identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native from 0.31% to 0.07%.

	2000	2010	Change
Asian/Pacific Islander	52.72%	66.6%	26.33%
White	29.87%	22.2%	-25.68%
Black	6.74%	6.13%	-9.05%
Two or More Races	8.9%	3.3%	-62.92%
Hispanic	1.47%	1.7%	15.65%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.31%	0.07%	-77.42%

Malik ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Malik is Northern Indian & Pakistani, which comprises 58.2% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Eastern European (8.5%) and British & Irish (8.0%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Bengali & Northeast Indian, Iranian, Caucasian & Mesopotamian, Central Asian, and Nigerian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Northern Indian & Pakistani	58.2%
Eastern European	8.5%
British & Irish	8.0%
Other	25.2%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Malik

The meaning and origin of the last name Malik

The surname Malik has a rich historical and cultural significance. It is derived from the Arabic word "malik" which means "king" or "ruler." As a surname, it can be found across various regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. The origin of the surname Malik can be traced back to Islamic history, particularly to the Arab world. During the era of early Islamic conquests, individuals who held positions of power, whether as tribal chiefs or rulers, often adopted the title of "malik" to signify their leadership and authority. Over time, this title became associated with their families and eventually evolved into a hereditary surname. As Islam spread to different regions, the surname Malik migrated with it. In South Asia, for example, the surname is commonly found among Muslim communities, especially in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In these regions, the surname signifies noble lineage and is often associated with influential individuals, esteemed professionals, and scholars. Malik has also been adopted by some African communities, where it holds similar connotations of leadership and nobility. Overall, the surname Malik holds a proud legacy rooted in power, authority, and prestige.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malik

The last name Malik originates from the Arabic language, meaning "king" or "ruler." As a common surname across various Muslim-majority countries, the geographical distribution of the name Malik is widespread. Pakistan, being the sixth-most populous country in the world and with a significant Muslim population, has a large concentration of individuals with the last name Malik. It is one of the most prevalent surnames in Pakistan and is associated with various ethnic groups, including the Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Pashtun. Additionally, the last name Malik is also common in other South Asian countries, such as India and Bangladesh, where there are substantial Muslim communities. Furthermore, due to migration and diaspora, individuals with the surname Malik can be found in various other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Malik reflects the widespread presence of Muslim populations throughout different regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malik

The last name Malik, originating from Arabic and Urdu, can have several variations and spellings depending on different cultural and regional influences. These variations reflect the diversity of communities that bear this surname across various countries and regions. Some common variations include Mallick, Malek, Mallik, and Mullick. The variations often reflect differences in pronunciation and transliteration practices, both within South Asia and in the Arab world. Additionally, individuals or families may modify the spelling of their last name to adapt to different cultures or to simply differentiate themselves from others with the same surname. For example, the spelling "Malek" might be used by a family living in a Western country where the pronunciation of the name is more intuitive to native English speakers. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the last name Malik continues to represent an important symbol of identity for many individuals and communities worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Malik

Zayn Malik is undoubtedly the most famous individual with the last name Malik. Born in Bradford, England, in 1993, Zayn gained global prominence as a member of the internationally acclaimed boy band, One Direction. After leaving the group in 2015, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing hit songs like "Pillowtalk" and "Dusk Till Dawn." Zayn's soulful voice and unique style have made him a beloved figure in the music industry. Another notable figure with the surname Malik is Anjum Malik, a renowned Pakistani playwright and scriptwriter. Anjum's work crosses various genres, including sitcoms, dramas, and telefilms. Her contributions to Pakistani television have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Amir Malik is a prominent political figure in Canada. Currently serving as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Amir is an advocate for issues related to technology and innovation. He has dedicated his career to fostering economic growth, bridging social divides, and promoting equal opportunity for all Canadians. These are just a few examples of famous individuals with the last name Malik, each making a significant impact in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Malik

The last name Malik is a prominent surname found in various regions across the world. The origins of the name can be traced back to multiple cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In Arabic, the word "Malik" means "king" or "master," suggesting a noble or powerful lineage. It is a common name among Muslims, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. However, it should be noted that the name Malik also exists in other cultures. In Hinduism, it is often associated with the gods and is derived from the Sanskrit language, meaning "lord" or "king." Over time, the Malik name has migrated to different countries through various historical events and migrations. Therefore, to accurately trace the genealogy of the last name Malik, it would be crucial to examine specific family lines and regional histories, taking into account the diverse origins and migrations associated with the name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Malik"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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