The name Malka is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Malka," which means "queen" or "ruler." It has been used as a feminine given name among Jewish communities for centuries.

The earliest known record of the name Malka can be traced back to ancient Jewish texts and scriptures. In the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, there are several references to women named Malka, suggesting the name was in use during the post-biblical era.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Malka was Malka of Palmyra, a queen who ruled the ancient Semitic city-state of Palmyra in the 3rd century AD. She was the wife of Odaenathus, the ruler of Palmyra, and took over the reins of power after his death.

In the Middle Ages, the name Malka was relatively common among Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. One notable bearer of the name was Malka Katsina, a 14th-century Jewish poet from Catalonia, Spain, who wrote religious poetry in Hebrew.

The name Malka also appears in various historical records and documents from the Ottoman Empire. For instance, Malka Rivka, born in 1610 in Izmir, Turkey, was a prominent figure in the Jewish community and is mentioned in several historical accounts.

Other notable individuals with the name Malka include Malka Leibowitz (1888-1972), a renowned Israeli Torah scholar and teacher, and Malka Schaps (1904-1983), a Polish-born Israeli writer and translator.

In more recent times, the name Malka has been adopted by individuals from various cultures and backgrounds, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.