The name Tarik is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic root word "tariq," meaning "path" or "way." It is believed to have originated in the 7th century AD, during the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

The name gained significant historical importance with the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century. Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber military commander, led the Islamic forces across the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 AD, beginning the Islamic rule in the region known as Al-Andalus. His name, Tariq, became closely associated with this pivotal event in European history.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Tarik can be found in the Islamic historical text "Kitab al-Masalik wa'l-Mamalik" (Book of Roads and Kingdoms), written by Ibn Khurradadhbih in the 9th century AD. This text recounts the exploits of Tariq ibn Ziyad and his conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Tarik. Among them is Tarik al-Bakri, an 11th-century Andalusian geographer and historian who authored "Al-Masalik wa'l-Mamalik" (Roads and Kingdoms), a comprehensive geographical work. Another prominent individual was Tarik ibn Shihab, a renowned 8th-century jurist and scholar from Medina, known for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence.

In more recent times, Tarik Ali, born in 1943, is a renowned British-Pakistani writer, historian, and political activist known for his works on world history and politics. Tarik Aziz, born in 1936, was a former Iraqi politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister under Saddam Hussein's regime.

Additionally, Tarik El-Bashir, born in 1979, is a renowned Egyptian-American professional basketball player who has played for several teams in the NBA and international leagues. These individuals, spanning different eras and fields, have carried the name Tarik and left their mark on history and culture.