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Mekhi Boy

Popularity: #708 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: meh-KAI //mɛˈkaɪ//

Origin: Hebrew; African American

Meaning: Hebrew: who is like God; African American: a modern name with no specific meaning

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Mekhi is believed to have roots in the Hebrew name Micaiah, which means "who is like Yahweh?" The name Micaiah appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of the Old Testament, where it is borne by a prophet during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. The name transitioned through various linguistic forms, with Micaiah being rendered in Greek as Micaia and later adapted into Latin as Michaia.

The evolution of the name into its modern form, Mekhi, reflects a trend in contemporary naming practices that often favor phonetic variations and unique spellings. Historically, the name Micaiah is associated with significant biblical narratives, particularly in the context of prophetic traditions in ancient Israel.

The prophet Micaiah, known for his unwavering stance against the false prophets of his time, is a figure of moral integrity and courage. His story, along with those of other biblical figures, contributed to the enduring legacy of names derived from Hebrew roots, particularly during the periods of the Hebrew Bible's compilation and subsequent translations into Greek and Latin.

Culturally, names like Mekhi carry a resonance of strength and faith, often symbolizing a connection to religious heritage and identity. The name's association with the divine question "who is like Yahweh?" emphasizes a sense of humility and reverence.

Additionally, diminutive forms such as Micah have been historically relevant, further linking Mekhi to a broader tradition of names that reflect spiritual significance. The name's journey through linguistic and cultural transformations illustrates its deep roots in religious texts and its continued relevance in discussions of identity and heritage.

Famous people named Mekhi

Mekhi Phifer is an actor best known for 8 Mile, ER, and Paid in Full.
Mekhi Alante Phifer is an actor and producer best known for his roles in ER, 8 Mile, and the TV series The Divergent Series.

Sibling suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Mekhi was first seen in the United States in 1995. Mekhi has ranked as high as #642 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and California. In the past 5 years the name Mekhi has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Mekhi (2024)

State Births Share
TX 21
12%
FL 17
10%
GA 13
7%
NC 12
7%
PA 12
7%
NY 11
6%
AL 9
5%
OH 9
5%
IL 8
4%
MD 8
4%
VA 7
4%
SC 6
3%
AZ 6
3%
MO 6
3%
CA 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
199512
199625
199757
1998154
1999193
2000163
2001303
2002406
2003688
2004826
2005861
2006616
2007621
2008673
2009622
2010544
2011544
2012529
2013521
2014454
2015423
2016428
2017474
2018459
2019328
2020300
2021271
2022239
2023223
2024217