Declining since 2018, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Meklit since 2003
Babies named Meklit per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 68 |
| 2010s | 305 |
| 2020s | 133 |
Meaning & origin
Meklit entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 2003, a rare and culturally distinctive name rooted in Ethiopian Amharic tradition. Its peak popularity came in 2019, when it reached rank 10,917, though it has since declined in frequency, with a noticeable downward trajectory starting in 2018. By 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in every 200,908 births, making it an uncommon choice. The name's origins are tied to East African naming practices, and while its exact meaning remains uncertain, it carries a melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with African heritage. Unlike many modern coinages, Meklit has not yet broken into the top 1,000 names, remaining a niche pick even at its highest point.
Meklit is a name of Ethiopian origin, likely from the Amharic language. It may be related to the word 'mäklit' meaning 'queen' or to 'məkəl' meaning 'gift', though these derivations are speculative. The name has gained visibility in the United States since the early 2000s, particularly among families with Ethiopian heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mek, Klit
Sibling names for Meklit
Names that share Meklit's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Selam, Liya, Hana, Frehiwot, Tsion, Desta, Mahlet, Soliyana, Yemariam, Rakeb, Afomia, Bemnet, Emnet, Kalkidan, Maraki, Mariamawit
Brothers: Yonas, Dawit, Elias, Henok, Abel, Kidus, Natnael, Abenezer, Alazar, Amanuel, Bereket, Dagmawi, Leul, Naod, Yacob, Barkot, Kebron, Naol, Nolawi, Surafel, Temesgen
