What does Meleka mean and where does it come from?
Meleka is derived from the Swahili language, where it means 'queen'. The name is not very common and is often found in communities with ties to African culture. It has emerged in the United States among parents who want to honor African heritage or choose names with significant meanings. The name pr
Cultural significance
Meleka has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking communities, where it reflects values of swahili.
Peak popularity
Reached #8340 in 1973 — currently #937 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Meleka?
Meleka works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meleka Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meleka Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meleka Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meleka Claire
French influence · crisp
Meleka Jane
Literary · strong
Meleka Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meleka right now?
Holding steady — currently #937 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #937 | 1,263 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #942 | 1,243 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #947 | 1,213 | ▲ up 11387 · +20117% births |
| 1995 | #12334 | 6 | — |
The story of Meleka
Meleka is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 12 total births recorded, Meleka remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12334 in 1995 to #937 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meleka in 1973:
💎Meleka has only 12 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Meleka?
What names sound and feel like Meleka?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meleka also consider these
Common questions about the name Meleka
What does the name Meleka mean?
Meleka means "Swahili" — a name rooted in Swahili tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Meleka?
Meleka is currently ranked #937 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Meleka?
Meleka originates from Swahili tradition. Swahili names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Meleka?
Meleka is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L EH1 K AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Meleka?
Meleka pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.