Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Mete since 2000
Babies named Mete per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mete's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 78 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Mete is a concise, modern name of Turkish origin, typically interpreted as 'brave' or 'hero.' Though its exact etymology is debated, it is often linked to the historical figure Mete Khan (Modu Chanyu), a prominent Xiongnu ruler. In the United States, the name has seen a modest but stable presence since the early 2000s, with a notable uptick in recent years. Its peak year was 2025, according to Social Security data, where it ranked 6,143rd and appeared in about 1 in 122,005 male births. The name is most common in Florida, reflecting concentration in areas with Turkish-American communities. Mete has no widely recognized nicknames or variant spellings, and its straightforward pronunciation makes it accessible cross-culturally. As a modern Turkish name, it enjoys consistent but niche use, appealing to families seeking a short, meaningful name with cultural heritage.
Mete is a Turkish name of uncertain origin, though it is often linked to the Old Turkic word 'met' meaning 'brave' or 'hero.' It gained popularity in modern Turkey as a given name, possibly influenced by historical figures like Mete Khan (Modu Chanyu), a legendary Xiongnu ruler. The name is distinct from similar-sounding names in other languages.
Where Mete is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mete” around the world
Where Mete lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Mete
Names that share Mete's style, for a brother or sister.
