Mecca
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Mecca
The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.
Mecca for girls#5182 US
The etymology of Mecca is uncertain, but it most likely derived from an Old South Arabian root meaning "temple." In the English speaking world, it has also come to be used as a byword for any place that draws a large number of people who deem it important in some way, which has led to some Muslims rejecting the Mecca spelling.
As a given name, Mecca first appeared on the baby name charts in 1952 but was most popular in the 1990s, particularly among baby girls. In 2015, however, it became more commonly used as a masculine name and is now given to twice as many boys as girls. Nevertheless, 56 girls received the name in 2023, meaning it is still very much in use.
Author Mecca Jamilah Sullivan is a notable bearer.
Mecca for boys#2121 US
Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.
The etymology of Mecca is uncertain, but it most likely derived from an Old South Arabian root meaning "temple." In the English speaking world, it has also come to be used as a byword for any place that draws a large number of people who deem it important in some way, which has led to some Muslims rejecting the Mecca spelling.
As a given name, Mecca first appeared on the baby name charts in 1952 but was most popular in the 1990s, particularly among baby girls. In 2015, however, it became more commonly used as a masculine name and has been on the rise ever since. Given to nearly 110 boys and 56 girls in 2023, it is more popular than it has ever been before.
Pronounced MEK-uh.
As of October 2026, Mecca ranked #5182 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1664 in 1995.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | #3,486 | 32 |
| 2016 | #4,407 | 33 | #3,339 | 34 |
| 2017 | #4,047 | 37 | #2,657 | 47 |
| 2018 | #3,900 | 38 | #3,084 | 38 |
| 2019 | #3,429 | 46 | #2,574 | 51 |
| 2020 | #2,701 | 62 | #2,409 | 55 |
| 2021 | #3,777 | 40 | #2,123 | 68 |
| 2022 | #3,349 | 48 | #1,777 | 93 |
| 2023 | #3,002 | 56 | #1,616 | 108 |
| 2024 | #3,352 | 47 | #1,824 | 89 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | #2,121 | 69 |
World rankings
Mecca for boys
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