Metta Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Metta originates from the Pali language, meaning loving-kindness or goodwill. It has evolved through Buddhist texts and is associated with the practice of loving-kindness meditation. The name reflects traits of compassion and friendliness, lacking biblical relevance. Its popularity has increased alongside the rising interest in Buddhism and mindfulness, and it is seen positively in contemporary society.
The name Metta is most popular in North Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. 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, Metta has been stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Metta' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1759th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2887th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5748th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9658th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 18297th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 23797th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13314th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Metta' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Metta"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛtə/
Origin
Pali
Etymology
The name Metta derives from the Pali word 'metta', which means 'loving-kindness' or 'friendliness'. It is a key concept in Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings.
Meaning
loving-kindness, goodwill, friendship
Language Evolution
Pali, Sanskrit (maitrī), Buddhist texts
Historical Usage
The name Metta has been used primarily within Buddhist communities and has gained popularity in Western cultures as interest in mindfulness and Buddhism has grown.
Variants & Derivatives
Metta, Mettā, Mita
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Metta is viewed positively, often associated with compassion, peace, and mindfulness practices. It has gained traction among those who value spiritual and holistic living.
Famous People
Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest), a professional basketball player known for his philanthropy and advocacy for mental health.
📊 Metta Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Metta Name Visualizations
✨ Metta Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 25 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Metta"
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 "Metta"
"Metta" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1759th of 9107 | 393 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2887th of 9204 | 177 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5748th of 12526 | 84 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9658th of 19264 | 50 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 18297th of 27321 | 23 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 23797th of 35406 | 24 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13314th of 30306 | 71 |
Regional Popularity of "Metta" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Metta" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
84.07% 1989th/2366 |
- |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Metta"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Metta" 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.