Find out how popular the first name Malak has been for the last 41 years (from 1983 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malak by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Malak is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 93% of people named Malak being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 114 female babies and 14 male babies born with the name Malak.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 14 baby boys were named Malak in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Malak

The name Malak is derived from the Arabic language and has its roots in ancient Arabic culture. It is believed to have originated from the Arabic word "malak," which translates to "angel" or "messenger of God." This name has been in use for centuries, dating back to the pre-Islamic era in the Arabian Peninsula.

In Arabic literature and Islamic texts, the word "malak" is often used to refer to celestial beings or angels. The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, mentions the term "malak" numerous times, describing angels as messengers of God who carry out various tasks and responsibilities. This association with angels and divine messengers has imbued the name Malak with a profound spiritual significance in Arabic and Islamic cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Malak can be found in the Quran itself, where it is mentioned as the name of an angel. Additionally, historical records indicate that the name was popular among Arabic-speaking communities in the Middle East and North Africa during the early Islamic period, from the 7th century onwards.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Malak. One of the most famous was Malak al-Tawil (1244-1318), a renowned Sufi mystic and scholar from Damascus, Syria. His writings and teachings on spiritual enlightenment and the mystical aspects of Islam had a significant influence on the development of Sufism in the region.

Another prominent figure was Malak ibn Anas (715-795), a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist from Medina, Saudi Arabia. He is best known for his seminal work, "Al-Muwatta," which is considered one of the earliest and most authoritative collections of hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad).

In the realm of literature, Malak Hifni Nasif (1886-1918) was an Egyptian poet and writer whose works played a pivotal role in the Arabic literary renaissance of the early 20th century. His poems and essays explored themes of nationalism, modernity, and the Arab identity.

Malak al-Husayni (1856-1924) was a Palestinian Arab leader and politician who played a significant role in the early 20th century Palestinian national movement. He served as the mayor of Jerusalem and advocated for Palestinian rights and self-determination during the Ottoman and British rule.

Malak Karsh (1915-2001) was a renowned Lebanese-Canadian photographer known for his iconic portraits of famous individuals, including Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, and Muhammad Ali. His work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications and galleries worldwide.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Malak was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Malak, please contact us.

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