NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Myesha

A feminine given name of obscure origin, possibly African American.

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.

Myesha is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Myesha popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5891, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2008, with 11 births.

This profile covers 101 England and Wales registrations across 19 recorded years from 1998 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.

The latest count is about 27% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 100 living people in the UK are called Myesha. 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

  • Myesha ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 3 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2008, when 11 girls were registered as Myesha.
  • About 100 living people in the UK are estimated to have Myesha as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#5891

2024

Births in 2024

3

Latest year

Peak year

2008

11 births

Estimated living

100

2026

Meaning

What does Myesha mean?

The name Myesha is believed to have originated from the Swahili language spoken in East Africa. It is a feminine name that has its roots in the word "myeshi," which means "light" or "sunshine." This name is thought to have been in use among the Swahili people as early as the 15th century, during the height of the Swahili coastal city-states and their flourishing trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

While the name's exact origins are uncertain, it is likely that Myesha was initially a descriptive name given to children who were born during the daytime or who exhibited a particularly bright and sunny demeanor. The name may have also been associated with the hope and joy that a newborn child brought to a family.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Myesha can be found in the writings of the renowned Swahili poet and philosopher, Sheikh Abdillahi Nassir, who lived in the 18th century. In his collection of poetry, he mentions a woman named Myesha, described as a beautiful and virtuous figure.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Myesha. In the 19th century, Myesha al-Nasr was a prominent Swahili educator and advocate for women's rights in Zanzibar. She established one of the first schools for girls in the region and worked tirelessly to promote education and empowerment for women.

Another famous Myesha was Myesha Maithurin, a renowned Swahili singer and musician from the early 20th century. Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence earned her widespread acclaim throughout East Africa and beyond.

In more recent times, Myesha Jenkins (born 1980) is an American actress and model who has appeared in numerous television shows and films. She is known for her roles in the popular series "Gossip Girl" and "Scandal."

Myesha Chaney (born 1974) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the WNBA for several years, representing teams such as the Los Angeles Sparks and the Sacramento Monarchs. She was known for her tenacious defense and leadership on the court.

While the name Myesha has its roots in the Swahili culture, it has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Its meaning and association with light, joy, and positivity have resonated with many parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughters.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Myesha over time

The chart below shows babies named Myesha registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1998 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Myesha, the clearest high point is 2008. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2024, compared with 11 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Myesha
036811199820112024

Decades

Myesha by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Myesha 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 #5300 7 2
2010s #4226 37 7
2000s #3150 50 8
1990s #3521 7 2

Related

Names similar to Myesha

FAQ

Myesha: questions and answers

How popular is the name Myesha in the UK right now?

In 2024, Myesha was ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.

When was Myesha most popular?

The peak year on record was 2008, with 11 babies registered as Myesha in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Myesha?

A feminine given name of obscure origin, possibly African American.

How many people are called Myesha in the UK?

A total of 101 babies have been registered as Myesha across the 19 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.