Save Gender Masculine Usage African American Pronounced Pron. /mɛ.ˈkaɪ/ [key·simplify] Meaning & History Meaning unknown, possibly an invented name. This name was popularized by the American actor Mekhi Phifer (1974-). PopularityDetails Last ranked #847 in 2006 England and Wales Last ranked #950 in 2022 United States Categories invented, uncertain etymology