Meshell is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is derived from the male name Michael, which means "who is like God?" in Hebrew.
The name Meshell has a strong and powerful sound to it, reflecting its divine origins. It is often associated with creativity, intelligence, and strength, but it is important to note that these traits are not inherent to the name itself, but rather attributed to individuals who bear it.
Meshell was popularized by singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, who was born Michelle Johnson but later changed her name to reflect her unique identity. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements of funk, soul, hip-hop, and jazz into her compositions.
While Meshell may not be as commonly used as other names derived from Michael, such as Michelle or Michaela, it remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking for something different and special. Its African American origin gives it a unique cultural heritage, while its divine meaning adds depth and significance to the name. Ultimately, Meshell is a powerful and distinctive name that stands out on its own merits.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe trends and patterns of the name Meshell among newborns in the United States between 1958 and 2008.
The name Meshell experienced its peak popularity during the late 1960s to early 1970s. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1966, with a total of 35 newborn girls named Meshell that year. This high point was followed by several years where the name remained relatively popular, with around 20-27 births each year from 1968 to 1972.
However, after reaching its zenith in popularity during this period, the usage of the name Meshell began a steady decline over the next decade. Between 1973 and 1985, the number of newborn girls named Meshell ranged between 6 and 19 births per year, indicating a significant decrease from its peak.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name Meshell continued to lose popularity among parents in the United States. Between 1986 and 1997, there were consistently fewer than 10 newborn girls named Meshell each year, with most years seeing around 5-7 births.
In recent years, the usage of the name Meshell has remained relatively low but stable. Between 2000 and 2008, there were between 5 to 7 births per year with this name, indicating that while it is not a highly popular choice among parents today, some still choose Meshell for their daughters.
Overall, based on the statistics provided, we can conclude that Meshell was a relatively popular baby girl name in the United States during the late 1960s to early 1970s but has since seen a significant decrease in popularity over time.