Meta is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "metis", which means wisdom or intelligence. In Greek mythology, Metis was the first wife of Zeus and the mother of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. The name has been used throughout history, but it remains relatively rare compared to many other names.
Meta was the name given to one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, who were the goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science, and the arts. This further emphasizes the association of the name with intelligence, wisdom, and creativity.
The name Meta has also been used as a surname, particularly among Greeks, but it is more commonly found as a given name in Scandinavia, where it is most popular in Norway. In other parts of the world, such as the United States, it remains quite rare.
One notable figure with the given name Meta was Meta von Stein-Leer, a German-born American philanthropist who was known for her efforts to promote education and social welfare in the early 20th century. However, overall, there are relatively few famous figures with this name, which contributes to its distinctive and unique character.
In terms of its popularity as a given name, Meta has not typically been among the most common choices. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for girls since records began in 1965. However, its unique and meaningful origin may make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a significant meaning.
Overall, Meta is a rare and distinctive given name of Greek origin that carries connotations of wisdom, intelligence, and creativity. Its association with Greek mythology and the muses makes it a name with a rich historical and cultural heritage, even if it remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names.
The Meta name experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks and troughs seemingly unrelated to trends or cycles common among other names. The highest number of births recorded was 132 in 1895 and 1896, while the lowest was just 5 in several recent years (2001, 2002, 2009). Since the mid-20th century, Meta has become quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year on average.