Rising since 2011, #5,099 for girls today.
Popularity of Mecca since 1952
Babies named Mecca per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 | 0 |
| 1960s | 68 | 0 |
| 1970s | 317 | 6 |
| 1980s | 300 | 0 |
| 1990s | 640 | 47 |
| 2000s | 413 | 51 |
| 2010s | 267 | 242 |
| 2020s | 278 | 484 |
Meaning & origin
Mecca entered U.S. birth records in 1952 and has seen modest but consistent use. It reached its peak rank of 5,099 in 1995, when it was given to a relatively higher number of babies. Since 2011, the name has been rising in popularity, reflecting renewed interest. In 2025, it had a 1-in-64,291 rarity, making it an uncommon but not invisible choice. Geographically, it has been most popular in California. As a place-name, Mecca carries powerful religious and cultural weight, particularly within the Muslim community. Its unisex usage adds to its versatility, though it remains more common for girls. The name's trajectory suggests it may continue to gain favor among parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name.
Mecca is the English transliteration of the Arabic name Makkah (مكة), the holy city in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. It has been used as a given name in the United States since at least the mid-20th century, particularly among African-American families, likely as a cultural or place-name choice. The name carries strong religious and cultural associations due to Mecca's central role in Islam.
Where Mecca is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mecca” around the world
Where Mecca lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Mecca
Names that share Mecca's style, for a brother or sister.
