"white walls (Inbu-hedj, alternate name)"
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Language: Egyptian
Memphis
Pronunciation: [ m-EHMF-uhs ]
Does Memphis flow with your last name?
Ancient Egyptian royalty meets American musical soul
American
American South
Bold
Vintage
Earthy
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The Story of Memphis
Memphis derives from the ancient Egyptian Men-nefer or Inbu-hedj, meaning enduring and beautiful or white walls. It was the capital of ancient Egypt for much of the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC), home to the great temples and a center for the building of the pyramids at Giza. The name was transliterated into Greek as Memphis and eventually became the name of a Tennessee city founded in 1819.
Memphis has grown steadily as a girl's name in the 2010s, riding the wave of place names for girls alongside Savannah, Paris, and Brooklyn. It carries distinctly American Southern soul, closely associated with the birthplace of blues, rock and roll, and soul music.
Memphis, Tennessee is one of America's most musically significant cities, home to Sun Studio where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded, Stax Records, Beale Street blues, and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated there in 1968.
Historical Record
Memphis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 2,399 babies have been named Memphis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Memphis is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,596 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ancient Memphis was one of the largest cities in the ancient world at its peak
- Memphis, Tennessee is home to Graceland (Elvis Presley's estate), Sun Studio, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- The Great Pyramid of Giza was built during the era when Memphis was Egypt's capital
Memphis in Other Languages
Greek
Μέμφις
Arabic
ممفيس
French
Memphis
English
Memphis
Spanish
Memphis
Popularity Over Time
#1,596
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Memphis
M
Memphis Bleek
Musician
1978
American rapper and protege of Jay-Z, known for his work in hip-hop during the late 1990s-2000s
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Compare Memphis with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,596
- Total SSA Count
- 131
- Cultural Origins
- American American South
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mem
Memphy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Memphis
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Memphis is also used as a boy name, ranked #589.
View Memphis as a boy name →Similar Names
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Old English origin
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Hebrew origin
"beloved, wished-for child"
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Old French via English Tyler origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis
What does the name Memphis mean?
"white walls (Inbu-hedj, alternate name)" (from Ancient Egyptian). Memphis derives from the ancient Egyptian Men-nefer or Inbu-hedj, meaning enduring and beautiful or white walls. It was the capital of ancient Egypt for much of the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC), home to the great temples and a center for the building of the pyramids at Giza. The name was transliterated into Greek as Memphis and eventually became the name of a Tennessee city founded in 1819.
What is the origin of the name Memphis?
Memphis has Ancient Egyptian, American, and American South origins. In Ancient Egyptian, it means "white walls (Inbu-hedj, alternate name)".
Is Memphis a boy or girl name?
Memphis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1596. As a boy name, it is ranked #589. Memphis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Memphis?
Memphis is pronounced m-EHMF-uhs.
How popular is the name Memphis?
Memphis is currently ranked #1596 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Memphis?
Common nicknames for Memphis include Mem and Memphy.
What are good middle names for Memphis?
Popular middle name pairings include Memphis Rose, Memphis Grace, Memphis Jane, Memphis Lee, Memphis Jo, and Memphis Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Memphis?
Names that pair well with Memphis as siblings include Dallas, Phoenix, River, Savannah, Austin, and Lennox.
How many syllables does Memphis have?
Memphis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Memphis a common or rare name?
Memphis is an uncommon name, ranked #1596 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Memphis
Memphis is a girl name with American and American South origins . The name means "white walls (Inbu-hedj, alternate name)" in Ancient Egyptian .
Is Memphis a boy or girl name? Memphis is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,596 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #589. Memphis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Memphis is currently ranked #1,596 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Memphis has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EHMF-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Memphis include Mem and Memphy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis