Last Name Mallick

The surname Mallick is of Indian origin and belongs to the Bengali community. It is derived from a given name Malick, which means "king" or "ruler" in Arabic. In India, it is often associated with Muslim families who trace their roots back to the Mughal Empire or other Islamic rulers. However, it's important to note that surnames did not exist in traditional Indian society until the British introduced them during colonial rule as a means of administration and record-keeping. Therefore, many Indian surnames, including Mallick, are adaptations of given names or reflect ancestral professions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mallick

The meaning and origin of the last name Mallick

The surname Mallick is of Indian origin, specifically from the Bengali community in East India. It derives from the Sanskrit word "malla," which means wrestler or fighter. Historically, it was given to individuals who were skilled in wrestling or were warriors and warriors' descendants. Over time, the spelling has evolved slightly due to various transliteration methods, with Mallick being a common variant. In present-day India, the name is particularly prevalent among Bengalis, but it has also been adopted by people of other ethnicities as well. Notable figures bearing this surname include Indian film director Satyajit Ray and politician Dinesh Trivedi.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mallick

The surname Mallick is predominantly found in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh, due to its origins from the Bengali-speaking region. It is also present among people of Bengali descent in other parts of the world, such as Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, where there are significant Bengali immigrant populations. In recent years, the name has also been adopted by individuals of various ethnicities due to marriage or cultural affiliation, although it remains predominantly associated with those of Bengali origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mallick

The surname Mallick has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Here are some of the commonly found versions:

1. Mallick - This is the most common spelling. It originates from India and Bangladesh, where it is a variant of the Sanskrit name Mahalakshmi.
2. Malick - A variation often found among people of Pakistani or Arabic descent. It has a slightly different etymology, originating from an Arabic word meaning "my lord."
3. Mellick - An uncommon variation that might have resulted from phonetic changes in the English-speaking world.
4. Malloch - A Scottish variation of the name, which could be a variant of Mallick or an entirely separate surname.
5. Mollick - Another rare variation that may stem from minor spelling errors or regional pronunciation differences.
6. Malik - The Arabic form of the name, meaning "king" or "ruler." This spelling is common among people with Middle Eastern roots.
7. Mallack - A less frequent spelling, which might have originated due to typographical errors or dialectal pronunciation differences.
8. Mollick/Mollick - These are alternate spellings that may have arisen due to regional differences in pronunciation and scribes' interpretations over time.

Famous people with the last name Mallick

Ranjit Mallick is a renowned Indian economist who served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from 2015 to 2017. In the field of entertainment, Mira Sorvino, an Academy Award-winning actress, also shares the last name Mallick. Born in New York City, she is best known for her roles in films like Mighty Aphrodite and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Soha Ali Khan Mallick, an Indian actress, is another notable figure with this surname. She is a member of the prominent Pataudi family and has appeared in several Bollywood movies. Lastly, Subhash Dutta Mallick, a distinguished Indian botanist, specialized in orchid research and taxonomy. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the field of science.

Genealogical research on the last name Mallick

The Mallick surname originates from India and is found predominantly among Bengali communities. The name is derived from the occupation 'Mallik,' meaning 'lord' or 'master.' Historical records indicate that the Mallicks were landowners, rulers, or high-ranking officials in ancient times. One of the earliest known references to the Mallick family can be traced back to the 13th century in Bengal, where they held significant political and social positions. The Mallicks migrated to other parts of India and later to other countries due to various historical events such as the partition of India and Bangladesh in 1947. Today, the Mallick family can be found worldwide, with substantial populations in India, Bangladesh, and many Western nations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mallick"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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