Declining since 2014.
Popularity of Metta since 1880
Babies named Metta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Metta's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 125 |
| 1890s | 161 |
| 1900s | 100 |
| 1910s | 160 |
| 1920s | 170 |
| 1930s | 115 |
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 50 |
| 1960s | 37 |
| 1970s | 19 |
| 1980s | 23 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 62 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Metta is a name that first entered U.S. records in 1880, the earliest year of available Social Security data, though it has never been common. Its peak year was 1880 itself, after which usage declined. The name is of uncertain origin, possibly a diminutive of Margaret or Matthew, or from the Greek word for mint. In recent decades, Metta has become exceedingly rare, with a trajectory showing consistent decline since 2014. Despite its obscurity, the name has a soft, vintage feel that might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon choice. Its similarity to better-known names like Etta or Meta gives it a familiar yet distinctive sound.
Metta is a name of uncertain derivation. It may have originated as a diminutive of Margaret (from Greek margarites 'pearl') or as a feminine form of Matthew (from Hebrew mattithyahu 'gift of Yahweh'). Alternatively, it could be from the Greek minthe 'mint'. The name saw some use in the 19th century but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Metta
Names that share Metta's style, for a brother or sister.
