Find out how popular the first name Mekelle has been for the last 1 years (from 2006 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mekelle by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Mekelle is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mekelle.

The history of the first name Mekelle

The given name Mekelle is believed to have originated from the Tigrinya language spoken in the northern region of Ethiopia. The name is derived from the Tigrinya word "mekel," which means "to guard" or "to protect." This suggests that the name Mekelle may have been given to children with the hope that they would grow up to be protectors or guardians.

The earliest recorded use of the name Mekelle can be traced back to the 16th century in the region of Tigray, Ethiopia. During this time, the name was primarily used within the Tigrinya-speaking communities and was associated with the local culture and traditions.

In the 19th century, the name gained wider recognition when Mekelle became the capital city of the Tigray region in Ethiopia. The city was named after a local ruler or chief who bore the name Mekelle, further solidifying the name's connection to the area.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who carried the name Mekelle. One of the earliest recorded figures was Mekelle Selassie, a 17th-century Ethiopian nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the defense of the Tigray region against foreign invaders.

Another prominent figure was Mekelle Haile, a 19th-century Ethiopian scholar and religious leader who made significant contributions to the preservation of Tigrinya literature and culture.

In the 20th century, Mekelle Gebre-Medhin (1892-1973) was an Ethiopian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1940s and played a crucial role in establishing Ethiopia's diplomatic relations with various countries.

Mekelle Alemu (1918-2003) was an Ethiopian artist and sculptor renowned for his works that depicted the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia. His sculptures can be found in various museums and public spaces across the country.

More recently, Mekelle Kidane (born 1976) is an Ethiopian-American entrepreneur and business executive who has made significant contributions to the technology industry, particularly in the field of cybersecurity.

While the name Mekelle has its roots in the Tigrinya language and culture, it has transcended its geographical boundaries and has been adopted by people from various backgrounds and ethnicities around the world, reflecting the diverse and multicultural societies we live in today.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mekelle was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mekelle, please contact us.

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