Declining since 2021, #5,861 for boys today.
Popularity of Menelik since 1980
Babies named Menelik per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 83 |
| 2000s | 87 |
| 2010s | 105 |
| 2020s | 94 |
Meaning & origin
Menelik is a distinguished Ethiopian name with deep historical and cultural significance. It reflects the legacy of Ethiopian royalty, notably Emperor Menelik II, and carries a meaning associated with wisdom. The name has been in use in the United States since at least 1980, with its peak popularity occurring in 2020. In 2025, it ranked 5861 and had an incidence of approximately 1 in 113,872 male births. The name's trajectory has shown a decline since 2021. As of the 2020s, Menelik remains an uncommon but meaningful choice, particularly within families honoring Ethiopian heritage. It is not associated with any top states, suggesting a dispersed usage across the country.
Menelik is a name of Ethiopian origin, derived from the Ge'ez language. It is traditionally associated with Menelik I, the legendary first Emperor of Ethiopia according to the Kebra Nagast, who was said to be the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The name has been borne by several Ethiopian emperors, most notably Menelik II, who led the country to victory against Italian colonization at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Menny, Lik
Sibling names for Menelik
Names that share Menelik's style, for a brother or sister.
