Find out how popular the first name Mette has been for the last 40 years (from 1977 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mette by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Mette is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mette.

The history of the first name Mette

The name Mette is a feminine given name of Danish origin, derived from the Old Norse name Matilda or Mathilde. The name Matilda itself is a combination of the Germanic elements "maht" (meaning "might" or "strength") and "hild" (meaning "battle" or "combat").

Mette is believed to have emerged as a diminutive or pet form of Matilda, likely in the late medieval period. It gained popularity in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mette can be found in the Danish royal family. Mette Pedersdatter, born around 1470, was a Danish noblewoman and the mistress of King Hans of Denmark. She played a significant role in the political affairs of the time and was known for her influence over the king.

Another notable historical figure with the name Mette was Mette Winge (1617-1684), a Danish landowner and businesswoman. She was one of the wealthiest individuals in Denmark during the 17th century and owned several estates and properties.

In the realm of literature, the name Mette appears in the works of Danish writer and poet Jens Baggesen (1764-1826). His poem "Mette" from 1808 is a tribute to a young woman named Mette, whom he encountered during his travels.

The name Mette has also been associated with several artists and cultural figures. Mette Calmer (1887-1975) was a Swedish actress and singer who performed in numerous theater productions and films during the early 20th century.

More recently, Mette Frederiksen (born in 1977) is a Danish politician who currently serves as the Prime Minister of Denmark, becoming the youngest person to hold the office in 2019.

While the name Mette has maintained its popularity in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, it has also gained some recognition in other parts of the world, especially in areas with Danish or Nordic cultural influences.

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 Mette was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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