Metta Girl

Popularity: — · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MET-uh //ˈmɛtə//

Origin: Sanskrit; Pali

Meaning: Sanskrit: loving kindness; Pali: goodwill

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Metta has its roots in the Pali language, where it means 'loving-kindness' or 'friendliness.' This term is derived from the Sanskrit word 'maitrī,' which carries a similar meaning. The linguistic journey of Metta can be traced back to ancient Indian texts, particularly those associated with Buddhism, where it represents a significant concept in the practice of compassion and benevolence.

The name entered the English language through translations of Buddhist texts and the influence of Eastern philosophies in the West, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries when interest in Buddhism grew. Historically, the concept of Metta is closely linked to the teachings of the Buddha, who lived in the 5th to 4th century BCE.

The practice of Metta Bhavana, or the cultivation of loving-kindness, is a central aspect of Buddhist meditation and ethics. This practice emphasizes the importance of goodwill towards oneself and others, contributing to the name's enduring significance in spiritual contexts.

Additionally, the name has been associated with various figures in Buddhist literature, reinforcing its cultural and religious importance. In Western contexts, Metta has been embraced as a name that symbolizes compassion and kindness, reflecting the values of love and friendship.

The name's association with positive emotions has allowed it to resonate with those who appreciate its deeper meanings. While not widely used as a diminutive, the name Metta stands alone as a representation of its rich philosophical heritage, embodying ideals that have transcended cultural boundaries and continue to inspire individuals seeking to embody these virtues.

Famous people named Metta

In this section, you will find notable people named Metta. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Metta who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Metta who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Metta World Peace is a former professional basketball player best known for playing with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning an NBA championship, and his time with the Indiana Pacers.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Metta, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

MayaLilaTaraNinaSita

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Metta. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

MiraNinaZaraLenaCoraVedaKiraRheaSeraTessa

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Metta was first seen in the United States in 1880.

Metta has ranked as high as #3088 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in North Carolina.

In the past 5 years the name Metta has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Metta is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Metta was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Metta.

Year Total Births Girl
2021 8 8
2020 12 12
2019 5 5
2018 9 9
2017 8 8
2015 11 11
2014 9 9
2013 9 9
2012 5 5
2010 6 6
2009 8 8
1998 5 5
1986 5 5
1985 8 8
1983 5 5
1981 5 5
1978 7 7
1976 5 5
1971 7 7
1969 5 5
1968 5 5
1967 6 6
1966 7 7
1965 8 8
1960 6 6
1958 6 6
1955 7 7
1954 9 9
1953 8 8
1952 8 8
1951 6 6
1950 6 6
1949 10 10
1947 8 8
1946 10 10
1945 6 6
1944 10 10
1943 8 8
1942 6 6
1941 5 5
1940 5 5
1939 12 12
1938 17 17
1937 8 8
1936 8 8
1935 12 12
1934 10 10
1933 11 11
1932 11 11
1931 14 14
1930 12 12
1929 12 12
1928 10 10
1927 16 16
1926 10 10
1925 23 23
1924 25 25
1923 17 17
1922 18 18
1921 20 20
1920 19 19
1919 21 21
1918 15 15
1917 23 23
1916 22 22
1915 18 18
1914 17 17
1913 10 10
1912 10 10
1911 13 13
1910 11 11
1909 10 10
1907 8 8
1906 12 12
1905 6 6
1904 9 9
1903 11 11
1902 15 15
1901 14 14
1900 15 15
1899 14 14
1898 10 10
1897 20 20
1896 18 18
1895 21 21
1894 13 13
1893 12 12
1892 20 20
1891 15 15
1890 18 18
1889 9 9
1888 20 20
1887 8 8
1886 13 13
1885 12 12
1884 16 16
1883 12 12
1882 10 10
1881 10 10
1880 15 15

Top States for Metta (1924)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
NC 7
100%