Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Meshach since 1977
Babies named Meshach per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 55 |
| 1990s | 211 |
| 2000s | 140 |
| 2010s | 109 |
| 2020s | 49 |
Meaning & origin
Meshach is a biblical name that has appeared on U.S. birth records since 1977, though it has never been common. In 2025, it ranked 9,714th with a frequency of 1 in 244,011 births, reflecting its continued rarity. The name's peak year came in 1994, but overall its trajectory has been stable. It is strongly associated with the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, giving it a distinct religious character. The name is almost exclusively used for boys.
Meshach is a name from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Daniel. It is the Babylonian name given to Mishael, one of the three young men thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). The name's etymology is uncertain; the Hebrew original 'Mishael' means 'who is what God is?' while the Babylonian 'Meshach' may derive from Akkadian 'Mēšāku' meaning 'I am despised' or be a transformation of 'Mishael'. The name entered modern usage through the Bible and gained some popularity among Christians, especially in the United States, though it remains rare.
Sibling names for Meshach
Names that share Meshach's style, for a brother or sister.
