"queen"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Malika
Does Malika flow with your last name?
A regal Arabic name meaning queen, fit for royalty
Arabic
African
Muslim
Swahili
Royal
Strong
Elegant
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Malika
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Malika
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"ruler, sovereign"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Swahili
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Malika
See all →What the Malika report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Malika the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Malika
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Malika head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Malika actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Malika
Malika derives from the Arabic root malik, meaning king or ruler. The feminine form Malika means queen and is widely used across the Arab world, North Africa, and among Muslim communities globally. It shares its root with the word Malik (king), which is also one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic tradition.
Malika has seen rising popularity in both Muslim communities and African American families, driven by interest in names with African and Arabic roots that carry regal meanings. The name feels empowering and culturally rich.
In Arabic-speaking countries and across sub-Saharan Africa, Malika is a name of dignity and power. In Swahili, it is a royal title. The name has crossed into Western popular culture through athletes and entertainers.
Historical Record
Malika first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 4,901 babies have been named Malika in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Malika is past its peak , currently ranked #2,820 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Malik, the male form, is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic tradition
- Malika is a common name in both Arabic-speaking countries and French-speaking African nations
- American actress Malika Haqq is a well-known reality TV personality
Malika in Other Languages
Arabic
Malika
French
Malika
Persian
Malika
Swahili
Malika
Popularity Over Time
#2,820
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1996
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Malika
M
Malika Haqq
Entertainer
1983
American actress and television personality, known for Keeping Up with the Kardashians
M
Malika Oufkir
Writer
1953
Moroccan author and human rights activist who wrote about years of imprisonment in Stolen Lives
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,820
- Total SSA Count
- 59
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic African Muslim Swahili
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mali
Mala
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Arabic heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Malika
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Malika fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Malika is also used as a boy name, ranked #18104.
View Malika as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Malika →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Malika with...
Same Origin Names (Arabic)
See all Arabic names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Malika
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Malika and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Malika sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Roya
Girl
Persian origin
"dream, vision"
#2,799 in US
Azra
Girl
Arabic origin
"pure, virgin"
#2,667 in US
Noora
Girl
Arabic origin
"light"
#2,729 in US
Kamaria
Girl
Swahili origin
"as beautiful as the moon"
#2,710 in US
Amayra
Girl
Arabic origin
"princess (via Amira)"
#2,914 in US
Zaila
Girl
Hebrew/Arabic origin
"variant of Zara, princess"
#2,734 in US
Eman
Girl
Arabic origin
"trust in God"
#2,803 in US
Melek
Girl
Turkish/Arabic origin
"angel"
#2,938 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Malika's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malika
What does the name Malika mean?
"queen" (from Arabic). "ruler, sovereign" (from Arabic). Malika derives from the Arabic root malik, meaning king or ruler. The feminine form Malika means queen and is widely used across the Arab world, North Africa, and among Muslim communities globally. It shares its root with the word Malik (king), which is also one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic tradition.
What is the origin of the name Malika?
Malika has Arabic, African, Muslim, and Swahili origins. In Arabic, it means "queen". In Arabic, it means "ruler, sovereign".
Is Malika a boy or girl name?
Malika is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2820. As a boy name, it is ranked #18104. Malika is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Malika?
Malika is currently ranked #2820 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Malika?
Common nicknames for Malika include Mali and Mala.
What are good middle names for Malika?
Popular middle name pairings include Malika Nour, Malika Amara, Malika Rose, Malika Jade, Malika Simone, Malika Yasmine, and Malika Celeste.
What are good sibling names for Malika?
Names that pair well with Malika as siblings include Amira, Zara, Khalil, Tariq, Nadia, Amir, and Leila.
How many syllables does Malika have?
Malika has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Malika a common or rare name?
Malika is an uncommon name, ranked #2820 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Malika?
About the Name Malika
Malika is a girl name with Arabic, African, Muslim, and Swahili origins . The name means "queen" in Arabic .
Is Malika a boy or girl name? Malika is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,820 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #18,104. Malika is more commonly used as a girl name.
Malika is currently ranked #2,820 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Malika has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Malika include Mali and Mala. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Malika include Malia, Maliyah, Maliah, Malina, Malinda . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Arabic Names
Browse all names with this origin
M
Names Starting with M
More girl names like Malika
Rising Names
Names gaining popularity right now
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
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