What does Mela mean and where does it come from?
Mela is of Italian origin meaning 'apple' and is often associated with nature and freshness. It can also be a diminutive for names like Amelia. In Spain and Latin American countries, Mela could be viewed as a diminutive or short form of names that start with Mel, such as Melania. It is relatively ra
Cultural significance
Mela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of apple.
Peak popularity
Reached #2216 in 1905 — currently #5058 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mela?
Mela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mela Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mela Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mela Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mela Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mela Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mela Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mela right now?
Rising fast — up 338 spots — currently #5058 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5058 | 26 | ▲ up 338 · +8% births |
| 2024 | #5396 | 24 | ▼ down 446 · -11% births |
| 2023 | #4950 | 27 | ▼ down 517 · -16% births |
| 2022 | #4433 | 32 | ▼ down 134 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #4299 | 33 | ▼ down 1093 · -31% births |
| 2020 | #3206 | 48 | ▲ up 790 · +30% births |
| 2015 | #3996 | 37 | ▲ up 2942 · +106% births |
| 2010 | #6938 | 18 | ▲ up 1421 · +38% births |
| 2005 | #8359 | 13 | ▲ up 844 · +117% births |
| 1980 | #9203 | 6 | ▲ up 18 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9221 | 5 | ▼ down 2745 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #6476 | 7 | ▼ down 2329 · -22% births |
| 1955 | #4147 | 9 | ▲ up 1333 · +80% births |
| 1950 | #5480 | 5 | ▼ down 1467 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #4013 | 6 | — |
The story of Mela
Mela entered American naming records in 1905 and has been in use for over 119 years. With 870 total births recorded, Mela remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2216 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4950 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mela in 1905:
Mela by decade
Mela peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 42 | |
| 1920s | 89 | |
| 1930s | 48 | |
| 1940s | 31 | |
| 1950s | 64 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 28 | |
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 122 | |
| 2010s ★ | 335 | |
| 2020s | 98 | |
💎Mela has only 870 total recorded births since 1905 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mela?
What names sound and feel like Mela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mela also consider these
Common questions about the name Mela
What does the name Mela mean?
Mela means "Apple" — a name rooted in Italy tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mela?
Mela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Mela?
Mela originates from Italy tradition. Italy names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Mela a common or rare name?
Mela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What personality traits are associated with the name Mela?
Studies on name perception suggest that Mela is often associated with balance and approachability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.