Meeko is a unique and charming name of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese word "mekuki," which means "snail." Despite its unusual derivation, Meeko is often associated with warmth, creativity, and adaptability - qualities that snails are not typically known for, but that are nonetheless endearing.
The name Meeko first gained international recognition through the animated film "Mulan" by Disney. In the movie, Meeko is a playful and mischievous dragon who befriends Mulan and her family. This portrayal of Meeko has contributed to its popularity as a baby name in recent years.
While Meeko may not have a long history or widespread use as a given name, it certainly has a unique charm that sets it apart from more traditional names. Its meaning and origin add an extra layer of intrigue, making Meeko a fascinating choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Meeko has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. In 1998, there were only 7 babies named Meeko, indicating that it was quite uncommon at the time. This trend continued with 6 births in 2005.
However, starting from 2014, we began to see a gradual increase in the number of children being named Meeko. There were 7 births in 2014, which doubled to 14 births between 2015 and 2016 combined (10 in each year).
This upward trend continued with 10 births in 2017 and 8 in 2018. The year 2020 saw a significant spike with 19 Meeko babies born, followed by 9 in 2021.
The most recent data from 2022 shows another jump in popularity, with 20 births recorded. This was then surpassed in 2023, with a total of 31 babies named Meeko, indicating that the name is gaining traction as a popular choice for parents in the United States.
In total, since 1998, there have been 143 babies named Meeko born in the United States. While it may not be one of the most common names, its increasing popularity over the years suggests that it could become more widespread in the future.