Some bullets if they are nato standard or originated in europe. But other wise it can be based in inch or how many round balls you can make by dividing one pound of lead
I'm far from a weapon expert, never held a real firearm in my life, but 9mm bullets are a thing, no?
I'm fairly sure there will be a lot inch-based calibers as well; but one of the most known calibers has mm literally in the name.
(and I know there are e.g. the .50 Magnum appearing in many movies/games; which is based on inch; but I would say less iconic than a 9mm; at least in the kind of movies and games I grew up with)
Could be argued 44 magnum and 45 acp are more iconic than 9mm luger but the americans also uses the mm for 5.56 and 7.62 wich are nato standards. Funnily enough they dont extend this too the 50 bmg wich is called 12.7 where im from.