MallowbyNames

Mesha

MEE-shuh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Micha or Misha, or derived from Arabic 'masha' meaning 'to walk', or a modern invention.

Peak popularity
1980
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1990

Declining since 1990.

Popularity of Mesha since 1963

Babies named Mesha per year in U.S. Social Security records.

183755198020002020Most births 1980Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s48
1970s333
1980s370
1990s288
2000s118
2010s30
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Mesha first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1963, a relatively recent addition to the American naming landscape. The name reached its peak popularity in 1980, but since 1990 it has been in a steady decline. It has never ranked in the top 1000 names, making it a rare choice. The name's origins are uncertain and may be influenced by Hebrew, Arabic, or modern English coinage. While no single etymology is definitive, the name carries a soft, melodic sound that fits contemporary naming trends.

The name Mesha is likely a modern coinage, possibly influenced by names like Misha (a Russian diminutive of Michael) or Micha (a Hebrew name meaning 'who is like God'?). It may also be a variant of the Arabic name Maysa, meaning 'to walk with a proud, swinging gait'. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1963, peaking in popularity in 1980, and has since declined.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mesh, Mimi, Sha

Variants: Misha, Micha

Sibling names for Mesha

Names that share Mesha's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Leila, Naya, Sasha, Talia

Brothers: Micah, Kai, Noah, Eli, Jasper

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mesha, our favorite little girl.

M is for Mesha…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mesha's letter becomes Mesha's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mesha's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mesha mean?
The meaning of Mesha is uncertain. It may be a variant of Misha (a short form of Michael) or Micha (a Hebrew name), or it could be derived from the Arabic 'masha', meaning 'to walk'.
How popular is the name Mesha currently?
Mesha is not currently ranked in the top 1000 names in the United States. It peaked in 1980 and has been falling in use since 1990.
Is Mesha a girl's name or a boy's name?
Mesha is predominantly used as a girl's name, though it could be unisex.