What does Meta mean and where does it come from?
Meta is a diminutive of names like Mechthild or Margaret, which means 'pearl' in Greek. It was first recorded in Germany and has been traditionally used in German-speaking countries. The name has various cultural significance and can also be found in Scandinavian countries. Notable people include Me
Cultural significance
Meta has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #217 in 1884 — currently #10068 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Meta?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Meta?
Meta works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meta Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meta Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meta Claire
French influence · crisp
Meta Jane
Literary · strong
Meta Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meta right now?
Rising fast — up 4901 spots — currently #10068 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #10068 | 10 | ▲ up 4901 · +100% births |
| 2020 | #14969 | 5 | ▼ down 469 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #14500 | 6 | ▼ down 5339 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #9161 | 10 | ▼ down 388 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #8773 | 9 | ▲ up 1420 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #10193 | 7 | ▼ down 1874 |
| 1985 | #8319 | 7 | ▼ down 3076 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #5243 | 13 | ▼ down 2189 · -43% births |
| 1975 | #3054 | 23 | ▲ up 259 · +21% births |
| 1970 | #3313 | 19 | ▼ down 1250 · -41% births |
| 1965 | #2063 | 32 | ▼ down 300 · -22% births |
| 1960 | #1763 | 41 | ▼ down 72 · +11% births |
| 1955 | #1691 | 37 | ▼ down 195 · -3% births |
| 1950 | #1496 | 38 | ▼ down 15 · +27% births |
| 1945 | #1481 | 30 | — |
The story of Meta
Meta has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 6,201 total births recorded, Meta remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #253 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10068 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Meta in 1884:
Meta by decade
Meta peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 650 | |
| 1890s ★ | 1,104 | |
| 1900s | 774 | |
| 1910s | 950 | |
| 1920s | 756 | |
| 1930s | 391 | |
| 1940s | 333 | |
| 1950s | 451 | |
| 1960s | 323 | |
| 1970s | 164 | |
| 1980s | 109 | |
| 1990s | 53 | |
| 2000s | 78 | |
| 2010s | 60 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 6,201 total births, Meta is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Meta?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan
Famous people named Meta
M(
Meta (Germanic saint)
Meta spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Meta (medieval German ruler)
Meta bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Meta (Norse explorer)
Meta carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Meta (German philosopher)
Meta used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Meta?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meta also consider these
How is Meta written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Meta
What does the name Meta mean?
Meta means "gift of God" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Meta?
Meta is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meta have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Meta?
Meta originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Meta?
Meta is a two-syllable name pronounced M IY1 T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Meta trending right now?
Meta is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.