"angel"
Melek
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Angel in Turkish — pure, luminous, and celestially beautiful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"queen, ruler"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Melek
Melek (ملك) is derived from the Arabic and Hebrew root meaning 'angel' (malak) — the same root that gives English the word 'malak' (divine messenger). In Turkish culture, melek specifically means 'angel,' and the name is widely used for girls. In Arabic, the root can also mean 'king' or 'queen' (malik/malika), adding a regal dimension to the name's meaning.
Melek is consistently popular in Turkey, where it ranks among the top girls' names, and is commonly used in Turkish diaspora communities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In Arabic-speaking countries, variants like Malak are popular. The name's clear, beautiful meaning — angel — keeps it universally appealing in Muslim cultures.
In Islam, angels (malaikah) are important divine beings mentioned extensively in the Quran. Naming a daughter Melek/Malak reflects a parents' wish for their child to embody the pure, divine qualities of angels. The name is beloved across Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and other Muslim communities.
Historical Record
Melek first appeared in US Social Security records in 1987.
Over 542 babies have been named Melek in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Melek is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,938 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Melek is consistently one of the top 10 most popular girls' names in Turkey
- The Arabic root m-l-k gives both 'malak' (angel) and 'malik' (king) — making it a name of divine royalty
- Angels in Islam have specific roles and are mentioned over 70 times in the Quran
Melek in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Melek
Melek Ahmed Pasha
Military
1604
Ottoman statesman and Grand Vizier, one of history's notable bearers of this name
Melek Taus
Religious
The Peacock Angel, a divine figure in the Yazidi religion, holding the same root as the name Melek
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,938
- Total SSA Count
- 56
- Cultural Origins
- Turkish Arabic Muslim Middle Eastern
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Melek
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Melek is also used as a boy name, ranked #35903.
View Melek as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Turkish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Melek
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Is Melek a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Melek
Melek is a girl name with Turkish, Arabic, Muslim, and Middle Eastern origins . The name means "angel" in Turkish/Arabic .
Is Melek a boy or girl name? Melek is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,938 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #35,903. Melek is more commonly used as a girl name.
Melek is currently ranked #2,938 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Melek has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Melek include Mel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Baby Name Wizard
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis