UK girl's name
Meba
An invented name of uncertain meaning and origin.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Meba is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Meba popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4843, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 4 births.
This profile covers 4 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2024 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Meba is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 4 living people in the UK are called Meba. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Meba ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2024, when 4 girls were registered as Meba.
- • About 4 living people in the UK are estimated to have Meba as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4843
2024
Births in 2024
4
Latest year
Peak year
2024
4 births
Estimated living
4
2026
Meaning
What does Meba mean?
The name Meba originates from the Igbo language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. It is believed to have its roots in the ancient Nri Kingdom, which dates back to the 9th century AD. The name Meba is derived from the Igbo word "mba," meaning "town" or "community."
Historically, the name Meba was often given to children born in times of prosperity or during periods of peace within their communities. It symbolized the idea of belonging to a collective and being part of a thriving society. In some regions, the name was also associated with qualities like unity, harmony, and cooperation.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meba can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Igbo people. These stories, passed down from generation to generation, often featured characters with names like Meba, reflecting the cultural significance of the name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Meba. One such figure was Meba Nweze (c. 1820-1890), a prominent Igbo chief and leader during the 19th century. He was known for his diplomacy and efforts to maintain peace between different communities in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria.
Another historical figure was Meba Nwafor (c. 1875-1945), a renowned trader and entrepreneur from Onitsha, Nigeria. He played a crucial role in establishing trade routes and fostering economic growth in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the realm of literature, Meba Ofuobi (1925-2001) was a celebrated Igbo poet and writer. Her works often explored themes of identity, tradition, and the complexities of life in modern Nigeria. She was awarded the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit in 1979 for her contributions to the literary arts.
Another notable figure was Meba Nzekwu (1920-2017), a Nigerian novelist and playwright. His works, such as the novel "Ezi Nwanyi" (The Bride Price), explored various aspects of Igbo culture and society. He was also a respected educator and served as the vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Lastly, Meba Akpunonu (1930-2005) was a prominent Nigerian politician and activist. She was actively involved in the struggle for women's rights and gender equality, serving as the president of the National Council of Women's Societies in Nigeria from 1976 to 1983.
These are just a few examples of individuals who carried the name Meba throughout history, each contributing to their respective fields and leaving a lasting impact on their communities and society.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Meba by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Meba was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4843 | 4 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Meba
- Megan 70,884
- Mia 67,204
- Molly 47,734
- Millie 44,390
- Maisie 32,671
- Matilda 29,965
- Maya 26,445
- Madison 18,441
- Maria 17,304
- Mollie 15,914
- Martha 15,116
- Maddison 14,918
FAQ
Meba: questions and answers
How popular is the name Meba in the UK right now?
In 2024, Meba was ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Meba most popular?
The peak year on record was 2024, with 4 babies registered as Meba in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Meba?
An invented name of uncertain meaning and origin.
How many people are called Meba in the UK?
A total of 4 babies have been registered as Meba across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.