Meeko

Meaning & origin

Meeko is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1998 and peaking in rank in 2023. It is most commonly given to boys, with approximately 1 in 113,872 male births receiving the name in 2025. The name's trajectory has been rising since 2012, reflecting its gradual but steady increase in use over the last decade. Despite its relative obscurity, Meeko has no strong association with any particular U.S. state, as it has never appeared among the top names in any state. Its appeal likely stems from its short, friendly sound and its connection to the beloved Disney character from 'Pocahontas', which introduced the name to a broad audience in the mid-1990s. Parents drawn to nature-inspired, two-syllable names with a playful feel may find Meeko an appealing choice, though its rarity means it remains outside the mainstream.

Meeko appears to be derived from the Algonquian word 'miko' or 'meeko', meaning 'little' or 'small'. It was popularized in modern times by the character Meeko the raccoon in Disney's 1995 film 'Pocahontas', which introduced the name to a wider audience. Since then, it has been used occasionally as a given name, particularly for boys.