Surname Malek - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Malek: What does the surname Malek mean?
The last name Malek is an Arabic and Persian surname, derived from the Arabic word "malik" which means "king". The Malek family are royal, descended from an Arabic or Persian leader or prince.
In Arabic and Persian mythology, Malik was a powerful deity, referred to as the master and ruler of the universe. The name is also associated with a number of Islamic rulers who were of royal origin, known for their power and strength.
In the past, the relatives of the Malek family may have been powerful rulers, however, the meaning of the name is now mainly symbolic. Those with the surname Malek largely take pride in their heritage and their name, which possibly indicates a spiritual or historic roots.
The Malek family are believed to have originated somewhere in the region of the Middle East or Central Asia. Today, the Malek surname is predominantly found throughout the Middle East, as well as in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States.
The surname Malek symbolizes strength, power, and royalty. Those who bear the name can take pride in the power of their past, as well as the strength of their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMalek: Where does the name Malek come from?
Malek is common today in many parts of the world including North Africa and Southwest Asia, India, the Middle East, Iran and Pakistan. The Malek surname, with minor variations, can be found in many countries and cultures and is often found in records dating back hundreds of years.
It is believed that the Malek surname is derived from the Arabic title "Malic," meaning "the King." As a result, it is not uncommon for various branches of the Malek family, such as the Amelik tribe, to trace their roots back to royalty in certain areas.
In the United States, the Malek name is associated with many people of Middle Eastern decent, primarily those of Lebanese or Saudi descent. However, the Malek surname can also be found among those of Indian, Pakistani, Afghan, and even Latin American descent, testifying to the far-reaching influence of the name.
The Malek name is often associated with those in positions of power. For example, the prominent Saudi Arabian diplomat, Adel Ahmad Malek, served as an ambassador to the United States, and entrepreneur Anuar Malek is the CEO and founder of the successful company YLAH Clothing. Additional notables include actors Rami Malek and Mena Massoud, who both appear in the blockbuster film Aladdin.
Given the wide range of countries where the Malek surname is found, the importance it has held across centuries, and the modern-day prominence of numerous members of the family, it is clear that this name is one that will continue to play a prominent role as time goes on.
Variations of the surname Malek
Malek is a common surname with several different variants and spellings depending on the cultural origin. In the Middle East, India, and South East Asia, Malek is a surname derived from the Arabic language and it is commonly spelled مالك, Malik. The plural form of this surname is Maleki or Mālikī. Variants of Malek include Maalik, Mallik, Malki, Mallick, and Malka.
In Central Europe, the surname Malek is a variation of the Slavic surnames, Malčik orMaleček, which have a similar phonetic pronunciation. Variants of this spelling include Malekh, Maleck, Malecka, and Malecki.
In Eastern Europe, Malek is a surname that is derived from the Polish language and is commonly spelled Małek. Variants of Małek include Maleck, Malecka, and Malecki.
In America, Malek is typically a spelling variation of the surname Mallik. Variants of Mallik include Mallick, Malki, Malka, Mallich, Malke, and Mallock.
In Great Britain, Malek is derived from the Anglo-Saxon language and it is most commonly spelled Malke. Variants of Malke include Mallick, Malki, Moke, Malock, and Malka. All of these surnames are ultimately derived from the same Middle Eastern origin.
Famous people with the name Malek
- Rami Malek: an Emmy-winning actor and an Academy Award-winning actor best known for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
- Ahmed Malek: a renowned Algerian musician and composer, who worked primarily in the chaabi, rai and folk genres, and was a key figure in the 1960s Algerian musical scene.
- Yasmine Malek: a Moroccan-American filmmaker, artist and visual activist whose work focuses on cross-cultural issues and social justice.
- Malek Sharif: a Bahraini professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium and the Bahraini national team.
- Karim Malek: an Egyptian actor well known for his roles in films such as Hamam, Escape from Babylon and The Egyptian, among others.
- Amr Malek: an Egyptian actor, writer and director, best known for his films Decay, Hectic Days and Omar the Dalmatian.
- Sofiane Malek: an Algerian footballer who plays as a forward for ESL Championship club USM Alger and the Algerian national team.
- Malek Jaziri: a Tunisian professional tennis player and three-time Davis Cup Champion, who has earned multiple ATP singles and doubles titles.
- Ramy Malek: a Lebanese American actor and producer best known for his role in the award-winning political drama series The Americans.
- Mohamed Malek: a former Tunisian footballer who played as a midfielder and featured in the Tunisian National Team during the early 70's.