Rising since 1997, #2,691 for girls today.
Popularity of Meher since 1993
Babies named Meher per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 177 |
| 2010s | 336 |
| 2020s | 319 |
Meaning & origin
Meher entered U.S. naming records in 1993, and as of 2025 it ranks 2691, given to roughly 1 in every 25114 newborns. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1997, reaching its peak in 2025. The name is most often chosen in New Jersey, Washington, and California, reflecting its appeal in communities with Persian and South Asian heritage. Meher's cross-cultural resonance and warm meaning make it a distinctive choice that bridges traditions.
Meher derives from the Persian word mihr, meaning 'kindness, affection, sun,' ultimately from the Avestan Mithra, the Zoroastrian deity of light and covenant. In Sanskrit, it is a variant of mitra meaning 'friend' or 'sun,' and is an epithet of the sun god. The name has been used in both Persian and Indian subcontinental cultures, often as a unisex name.
Where Meher is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Meh, Mimi
Variants: Mehr, Mihr
Sibling names for Meher
Names that share Meher's style, for a brother or sister.
