Mecca Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mecca originates from Arabic, specifically from 'Makkah.' It signifies a place of gathering and has evolved linguistically from Makkah to Mecca. The term is deeply tied to Islamic traditions and holds no biblical background. Historically, it gained significance as a trade hub and religious site, particularly during the rise of Islam. Mecca is seen as a symbol of faith and pilgrimage today, with notable figures associated with its history.
The name Mecca is most popular in New Jersey, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Mecca has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Mecca' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10102nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11936th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9416th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2494th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 8234th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2827th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2678th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3483rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3848th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Mecca' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mecca"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛkə/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Mecca is derived from the Arabic word 'Makkah,' which refers to the city in Saudi Arabia that is the holiest site in Islam.
Meaning
The name is often associated with 'a place of gathering' or 'a center of attraction.'
Language Evolution
Makkah, Mecca
Historical Usage
Mecca has been known since ancient times as a trade center and became especially prominent with the rise of Islam in the 7th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Makkah, Makkan
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Mecca is widely recognized as a spiritual center for Muslims around the world, symbolizing pilgrimage and devotion.
Famous People
Ibn Battuta, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali
Explore More Mecca Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mecca"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Mecca"
"Mecca" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10102nd of 10718 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11936th of 16616 | 19 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9416th of 24088 | 96 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2494th of 23106 | 638 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 8234th of 12526 | 30 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2827th of 19264 | 410 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2678th of 27321 | 667 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3483rd of 35406 | 683 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3848th of 30306 | 473 |
Regional Popularity of "Mecca" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
55.72% 2220th/3984 |
57.32% 2572nd/4487 |
31.74% 2165th/6822 |
41.81% 2624th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Mecca" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
95.27% 2798th/2937 |
43.76% 1524th/3483 |
- |
90.88% 3675th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
85.07% 3135th/3685 |
27.60% 1235th/4475 |
94.19% 4892nd/5194 |
66.46% 4198th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
69.71% 3194th/4582 |
34.20% 1766th/5164 |
67.28% 4920th/7313 |
60.75% 4534th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
49.41% 2217th/4487 |
66.97% 4569th/6822 |
70.49% 4424th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mecca"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mecca" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.