William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Messiah
BoyHebrew, Aramaic· “anointed one”
- Meaning
- anointed one
- Origin
- Hebrew, Aramaic
- Pronunciation
- muh-SY-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #207
- US babies 2025
- 1,666
- Best rank
- #172 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Messiah
Messiah is a Hebrew and Aramaic name that means “anointed one”.
Messiah comes from the Hebrew mashiach, meaning "anointed one," through the Aramaic and Greek forms used in ancient texts. In Jewish tradition the term refers to a future anointed king of the line of David, and in Christianity it is a title applied to Jesus, whose Greek title Christ carries the same meaning. As a given name Messiah is a recent American choice, used by parents drawn to its spiritual significance. Because it is primarily a religious title rather than a traditional personal name, it can be read in different ways by different communities. It has a strong, resonant sound.
Popularity over time
Messiah first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 2005. Its best national rank was #172 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,231 babies. In 2025, 1,666 babies were named Messiah, and it ranked #207 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,034 in 1980, #1,232 in 2000, #649 in 2010, and #207 in 2025. Of the 27,064 US boys named Messiah since records began, 48% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 11,617 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Judah, Ace, Elliot, Rhett, and Knox.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Messiah ranked highest in District of Columbia, Mississippi, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #64 | 13 |
| Mississippi | #67 | 36 |
| Georgia | #91 | 123 |
| South Carolina | #97 | 53 |
| Alabama | #103 | 52 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Messiah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Messiah is usually pronounced muh-SY-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Messiah
A few middle names that flow with Messiah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Messiah
Similar names
Alijah Boy
uh-LY-juh
“variant of Elijah” · American (modern coinage)
#469
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Hezekiah Boy
hez-uh-KY-uh
“God strengthens” · Hebrew
#485
Zechariah Boy
zeh-kuh-RY-uh
“God remembers” · Hebrew
#856
Jedidiah Boy
jeh-duh-DY-uh
“beloved of the Lord” · Hebrew
#876
Elijah Boy
ih-LY-juh
“my God is Yahweh” · Hebrew
#7
Isaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#57
Josiah Boy
joh-SY-uh
“Yahweh supports” · Hebrew
#54
Jonah Boy
JOH-nuh
“dove” · Hebrew
#128
Judah Boy
JOO-duh
“praised” · Hebrew
#178
Nehemiah Boy
nee-uh-MY-uh
“comforted by God” · Hebrew
#429
Izaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
“Yahweh is salvation” · Hebrew
#635
Lists that include Messiah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Messiah mean?
Messiah is a Hebrew and Aramaic name that means “anointed one”.
What is the origin of the name Messiah?
Messiah has Hebrew and Aramaic roots. Messiah comes from the Hebrew mashiach, meaning "anointed one," through the Aramaic and Greek forms used in ancient texts.
Is Messiah a popular name?
Yes. Messiah ranked #207 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Messiah a boy or girl name?
Messiah is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Messiah over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Messiah?
Messiah is usually pronounced muh-SY-uh. 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