Holding steady, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Mehdi since 1976
Babies named Mehdi per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mehdi's real moment was 2022.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 111 |
| 1990s | 168 |
| 2000s | 285 |
| 2010s | 273 |
| 2020s | 150 |
Meaning & origin
Mehdi is an Arabic name rooted in the concept of divine guidance, borne across the Islamic world. In the United States, its recorded usage began in 1976, and it has seen a gradual rise in visibility. As of 2025, it ranks 3949, with a peak in 2022 marking its highest frequency. The name is stable in trajectory, reflecting steady use among American families, particularly in Michigan, its top state. While not among the most common names, its connection to Islamic heritage and the prophesied Mahdi provides cultural depth. Mehdi offers a meaningful choice for those seeking a name with religious resonance and a straightforward pronunciation that crosses linguistic boundaries.
Mehdi derives from the Arabic root h-d-y (هدى), meaning 'to guide.' It is a common given name in the Muslim world, particularly in Iran, North Africa, and the Middle East. The name is closely associated with the Mahdi, a prophesied redeemer in Islamic eschatology, which contributes to its religious significance. Its use spread beyond Arabic-speaking regions into Persian and Turkish cultures, where it remains a popular and respected name.
Where Mehdi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mehdi” around the world
Where Mehdi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
205
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Meh, Med
Sibling names for Mehdi
Names that share Mehdi's style, for a brother or sister.
