NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Mejia

What is the origin of the name Mejia?

The name Mejía is a Spanish and Portuguese surname that originated from various places in Spain and Portugal. Over time, it has also been used as a given name, particularly among Hispanic communities. The original meaning of the name is uncertain, but it may be derived from several sources. One possibility is that it comes from the toponymic name of a place named "Mejía" in Spain or Portugal, which could be derived from the Arabic word "mashiyya," meaning "oasis." Another possible origin is the Old German name "Meyege," which means "beaver-dwelling." The name has been popularized by notable figures such as Cuban baseball player Yulieski Gourriel Mejía and Mexican singer Thalia Sodi Mejía.

Learn more about the origin of the name Mejia

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mejia

The name Mejía is of Spanish origin and derives from the word "mejía," which translates to "small mill" or "grinding place." It is an occupational surname, indicating that a bearer's ancestor was associated with a small mill or grinding place. The name has been widely distributed across Spain and South America, where it remains popular today. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the name Mejía is often used for both males and females, although its gender connotation may vary depending on the region.

Character traits associated with the name Mejia

The surname Mejia is predominantly of Spanish origin, suggesting roots in Latin American cultures. Individuals bearing this name may exhibit characteristics often associated with these regions, such as warmth, enthusiasm, and passion. They are typically known for their strong family values, being deeply connected to their relatives and community. Mejias are also often creative, innovative, and adaptable, reflecting the dynamic nature of Latin American societies. However, it is essential to remember that traits associated with a name can vary greatly among individuals due to a multitude of factors including upbringing, environment, and personal experiences.

Popularity of the name Mejia

The first name Mejía is primarily of Spanish origin and has its roots in various Hispanic and Latino countries, where it enjoys a moderate level of popularity. It is derived from the surname Mejía, which means "thicket" or "bramble" in Old Spanish. In terms of worldwide usage, the name Mejía ranks relatively low, but within communities with strong ties to Spain and Latin America, it is more common. The popularity of the name can vary significantly depending on the region; for example, it is more popular in Puerto Rico and Cuba compared to other Latin American countries. It should be noted that the use of unique or uncommon names has been increasing in recent years among Latino communities, which may influence the future popularity of Mejía. Overall, while not a common name globally, Mejía remains a significant part of Hispanic heritage and culture.

Famous people with the name Mejia

Mejía is a surname of Spanish origin that has also been used as a given name among some communities. Notable individuals bearing this moniker include:

1. Elvis Crespo, a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and record producer, best known for his hit "Suavemente."
2. Alexis Mejía, a Venezuelan professional baseball player who has played for several Major League Baseball teams including the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
3. Wilmer Alexander Mejía, a Costa Rican footballer currently playing as a goalkeeper for Liga MX club CF Monterrey and the Costa Rica national team.
4. Carlos Mejía Godoy, a Nicaraguan revolutionary and politician who served as Prime Minister of Nicaragua from 1979 to 1985.
5. Juan Mejia, a Colombian-born American professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are recognized globally.

Variations of the name Mejia

The name Mejía has several variants in English, depending on the region and the specific way it is pronounced. Some common variations include:

1. Mejia: This is the standard spelling in English, which originates from Spanish and means "exchange" or "swap".
2. Mejias: The plural form of the name, often used when referring to multiple individuals with this surname.
3. Meyjia: A less common spelling variation that may be encountered in some cases.
4. Meh-hee-ah: One possible pronunciation for the name Mejía, emphasizing the first syllable and using a long 'e' sound for the second syllable.
5. Meh-hee-yah: Another possible pronunciation, with the accent on the third syllable, using a long 'i' sound for that syllable.
6. Mey-hee-a: A variant pronunciation emphasizing the middle syllable, using a short 'e' sound in the first and last syllables, and a long 'i' sound in the second syllable.
7. Meh-hee-ya: Another possible pronunciation with the accent on the third syllable, similar to the 'Mey-hee-a' variant but using a short 'y' sound instead of an 'i'.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Mejabin (First name)

forenames > mejabin

The origin of the name "Mejabin" is Arabic.

Mejula (First name)

forenames > mejula

Mejula is a female given name of Indian origin.