Is Malek a boy's or girl's name?

Malek is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 6 recorded births.

When was Malek most popular?

Malek reached its peak popularity in 2023 with 151 births that year. It is currently ranked #1427 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Malek?

Malek is currently ranked #1427 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 2,965 babies since 1974.

Malek

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicDeclining

#1427▼ 151in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Malek is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'king' or 'sovereign,' from the Arabic malik. Malik is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam (Al-Malik, the King), making this a name of profound religious and cultural significance across the Muslim world.

Malek is a variant spelling of Malik, found particularly in North African and Levantine communities. Rami Malek, the Oscar-winning actor, has brought the name significant visibility in the West. A name that wears its royal meaning with complete naturalness.

Compare Malek with another name

Popularity Over Time

Malek climbed 348 spots in the last 20 years — from #1775 to #1427.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Malek
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	640	#1427	▼
2010s	924	#1705	▲
2000s	780	#1717	▲
1990s	505	#2136	▲
1980s	85	#4683	▲
1970s	31	#5484	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(49 years, 1974–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Malek
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	128	#1427	-23 (-15.2%)
2023	151	#1276	+33 (28.0%)
2022	118	#1529	0
2021	118	#1510	-7 (-5.6%)
2020	125	#1393	-5 (-3.8%)
2019	130	#1376	+30 (30.0%)
2018	100	#1636	+7 (7.5%)
2017	93	#1702	-2 (-2.1%)
2016	95	#1670	+23 (31.9%)
2015	72	#2011	-24 (-25.0%)
2014	96	#1622	+13 (15.7%)
2013	83	#1758	-14 (-14.4%)
2012	97	#1612	+16 (19.8%)
2011	81	#1790	+4 (5.2%)
2010	77	#1875	-21 (-21.4%)
2009	98	#1623	+10 (11.4%)
2008	88	#1729	+19 (27.5%)
2007	69	#2027	-2 (-2.8%)
2006	71	#1908	-13 (-15.5%)
2005	84	#1627	+13 (18.3%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Malek as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Malek has also been given to 6 girls in the U.S. since 2011.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2011

Peak year

Compare Malek as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Malek be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Malek is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1427. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1974–2024) · Methodology