Maleika is a feminine given name of African origin, specifically from the Swahili culture. Its meaning and significance are deeply rooted in African tradition and history.
In Swahili, "Maleika" means "angel." This moniker is often bestowed upon girls as it signifies purity, grace, and divine beauty. The name has been popular among families of East African descent for generations, and its usage can be traced back to ancient times when the Swahili people placed great emphasis on naming their children after positive attributes or concepts they hoped their offspring would embody.
One notable figure associated with the name Maleika is Malika el-Firouz (1540-1627), a prominent woman in Moroccan history. She was the daughter of Ahmad al-Mansur, Sultan of Morocco, and played an essential role in her father's reign by managing state affairs and serving as a cultural intermediary between Morocco and other parts of Africa.
Although Maleika is less commonly found outside Africa today, it remains a meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique name with deep roots in African culture and history. For those who choose this name, it serves not just as an identifier but also as a symbol of the wearer's divine essence and connection to their heritage.
The name Maleka has been given to a total of 398 babies in the United States over the past five decades, with fluctuations in popularity from year to year.
In the early 1970s, the name was quite rare, with only 5 births recorded in 1970 and another 5 in 1972. However, it began to gain traction in the mid-1970s, with 9 births in 1974 and a peak of 23 births in 1980.
The popularity of the name continued to rise throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its highest point with 17 births each year in 1992 and 1993. After that, the number of babies named Maleka began to decline, although it remained relatively steady with around 10-16 births per year until the late 1990s.
In the early 2000s, the name experienced another surge in popularity, with 13 births in 1999 and 10 births in 2002. However, it has since become much less common, with only a handful of babies named Maleka each year from 2005 onwards.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the years, the name Maleka remains relatively uncommon compared to other names given to babies in the United States during this time period. Nevertheless, it continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters, and its unique sound and spelling make it a distinctive choice.