Meher is a unique and captivating name of Persian origin, meaning "sunlight" or "dawn." The name is derived from the Persian word "mehr," which refers to both the sun and light itself.
The history of Meher can be traced back thousands of years, as it was used in ancient Persian culture. In Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic religion that originated in Persia, Mehr is considered one of the seven holy immortals who serve the god Ahura Mazda. These immortals are believed to have been created by Mazda and tasked with protecting humanity from evil forces.
In more recent history, Meher has gained popularity as a given name in various cultures around the world. In India, for example, it is often used as a female name, while in the West, it has been popular among both boys and girls since the mid-20th century.
Meher also has ties to spirituality and mysticism beyond Zoroastrianism. The Indian spiritual leader Meher Baba (1894-1969), whose birth name was Merwan Sheriar Irani, adopted the name "Meher" as a signifier of his divine mission and connection to light. His followers continue to use the name Meher in his honor today.
Overall, Meher is an enchanting name with deep roots in ancient history and culture. Its meaning, representing sunlight or dawn, makes it a fitting choice for those seeking a name that radiates warmth and hope.
The name Meher has been consistently popular among parents in the United States since the early 1990s, with a total of 766 babies being given this name between 1993 and 2023.
Looking at the annual statistics, we can see that there were initially fewer than 15 births per year for babies named Meher until 2004. However, starting from 2004, there was a significant increase in popularity, with more than 20 births recorded each year.
The peak of this trend occurred between 2018 and 2023, with over 40 births per year being recorded for babies named Meher. The highest number of births recorded during this period was in 2021, with a total of 64 newborns being given the name Meher.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while Meher may not have been one of the most popular baby names in terms of absolute numbers, it has nonetheless maintained a steady level of popularity among American parents over the past three decades.