Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Memphis
UnisexEgyptian, Greek· “enduring and beautiful”
- Meaning
- enduring and beautiful
- Origin
- Egyptian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- MEHM-fuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #640
- US babies 2025
- 437
- Best rank
- #404 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Memphis
Memphis is an Egyptian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “enduring and beautiful”.
Memphis was one of the great capitals of ancient Egypt, located near present-day Cairo. Its name is the Greek form of the Egyptian Men-nefer, usually translated "enduring and beautiful", which was originally the name of a nearby pyramid. The ancient city gave its name to Memphis, Tennessee, on the Mississippi River, which became a center of blues music and early rock and roll and was home to Elvis Presley's Graceland. As a first name, Memphis carries both ancient grandeur and musical cool. It is used mostly for boys, and it stands out without being hard to spell.
Popularity over time
Memphis first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2006. Its best national rank was #404 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 768 babies. In 2025, 437 babies were named Memphis, and it ranked #640 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,734 in 1920, #5,791 in 2000, #611 in 2010, and #640 in 2025. Of the 10,185 US boys named Memphis since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,664 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Legacy, Armani, Kamari, Royal, and Reign.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Memphis ranked highest in Kentucky, Missouri, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | #219 | 26 |
| Missouri | #322 | 21 |
| South Carolina | #322 | 17 |
| West Virginia | #358 | 5 |
| Louisiana | #389 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Memphis is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 20% of US babies named Memphis were girls and 80% were boys.
Memphis is usually pronounced MEHM-fuhs, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Memphis
A few middle names that flow with Memphis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Memphis
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Lists that include Memphis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Memphis mean?
Memphis is an Egyptian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “enduring and beautiful”.
What is the origin of the name Memphis?
Memphis has Egyptian and Greek roots. Memphis was one of the great capitals of ancient Egypt, located near present-day Cairo.
Is Memphis a popular name?
Yes. Memphis ranked #640 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Memphis a boy or girl name?
Memphis is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 20% of US babies named Memphis were girls and 80% were boys.
How do you pronounce Memphis?
Memphis is usually pronounced MEHM-fuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings