Meshell

“Who is like God?”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1106US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

496All-time births

📅 Since 195800

How to pronounce Meshell

MESH·ul

/ˈmɛʃ.əl/ · stress on MESH · 2 syllables

“Who is like God?”

American origin · Girl name

What does Meshell mean and where does it come from?

Meshell is a feminine variation of the name Michelle, which has French origins. The name gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1960s onwards. The name is notably borne by singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, known for her contributions to alternative

Cultural significance

Meshell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of who is like god?.

Peak popularity

Reached #1977 in 1966 — currently #1106 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Meshell?

Meshell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Meshell Grace

How popular is Meshell right now?

Holding steady — currently #1106 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#1106 · Top 0.82%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1106	1,094	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1111	1,074	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1116	1,044	▲ up 14308 · +20780% births
2000	#15424	5	▼ down 7149 · -50% births
1995	#8275	10	▼ down 2018 · -29% births
1990	#6257	14	▲ up 2380 · +100% births
1985	#8637	7	▲ up 2304 · +40% births
1980	#10941	5	▼ down 7222 · -72% births
1975	#3719	18	▼ down 1025 · -33% births
1970	#2694	27	▲ up 449 · +59% births
1965	#3143	17	▲ up 1614 · +89% births
1960	#4757	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Meshell

Best Year2023Rank #1106

Peak Count1,094

Average Rank#5598

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1960 - 202312 years

The story of Meshell

Meshell entered American naming records in 1958 and has been in use for over 66 years. With 496 total births recorded, Meshell remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4757 in 1960 to #1106 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Meshell in 1966:

Lisa Kimberly Mary Michelle Karen

Meshell by decade

Meshell peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	6
1960s ★	167
1970s	162
1980s	67
1990s	78
2000s	16

💎Meshell has only 496 total recorded births since 1958 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Meshell?

Common

MesMeEshell

What names sound and feel like Meshell?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meshell also consider these

Deshell

American · English

Leshell

American · derived from Michelle

Eshell

American · a form of

Mechell

English · who is like

Neshell

American · A unique creation;

Meshel

American · Who is like

Meshelle

American · gift from God

Myshell

American · who is like

Common questions about the name Meshell

What does the name Meshell mean?

Meshell means "Who is like God?" — a name rooted in American 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 Meshell?

Meshell is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Meshell?

Meshell originates from American tradition. American 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 Meshell?

Meshell is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 SH AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Meshell a common or rare name?

Meshell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.