Mecca
Mecca Origin and Meaning
The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.
The etymology of Mecca is uncertain, but it most likely derived from an Old South Arabian root meaning "temple." In the English speaking world, it has also come to be used as a byword for any place that draws a large number of people who deem it important in some way, which has led to some Muslims rejecting the Mecca spelling.
As a given name, Mecca first appeared on the baby name charts in 1952 but was most popular in the 1990s, particularly among baby girls. In 2015, however, it became more commonly used as a masculine name and is now given to twice as many boys as girls. Nevertheless, 56 girls received the name in 2023, meaning it is still very much in use.
Author Mecca Jamilah Sullivan is a notable bearer.