Melbourne

“mouth of the river”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1119US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

1kAll-time births

📅 Since 189000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Melbourne

MELB·awn

/ˈmɛlb.ɔn/ · stress on MELB · 2 syllables

“mouth of the river”

English origin · Boy name

What does Melbourne mean and where does it come from?

Melbourne is an English name that has been popularized as a place name, notably the capital city of Victoria, Australia. The name itself means 'mouth of the river' from the Old English 'mere' (lake) and 'bourn' (stream or river). The name is rarely used as a first name but is recognized for its hist

Cultural significance

Melbourne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #990 in 1913 — currently #1119 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Melbourne?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Melburn

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Melbourne?

Melbourne works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Melbourne Grace

How popular is Melbourne right now?

Holding steady — currently #1119 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1119 · Top 0.83%

1890

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1119	1,081	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1124	1,061	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1129	1,031	▲ up 2443 · +17083% births
1955	#3572	6	▼ down 487 · -14% births
1950	#3085	7	▼ down 1033 · -42% births
1945	#2052	12	▼ down 30 · -8% births
1940	#2022	13	▲ up 144 · +8% births
1935	#2166	12	▼ down 689 · -52% births
1930	#1477	25	▼ down 71 · -11% births
1925	#1406	28	▼ down 303 · -33% births
1920	#1103	42	▲ up 13 · +24% births
1915	#1116	34	▲ up 38 · +580% births
1890	#1154	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melbourne

Best Year1920Rank #1103

Peak Count1,081

Average Rank#1781

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202312 years

The story of Melbourne

Melbourne has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 1,012 total births recorded, Melbourne remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1154 in 1890 to #1119 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Melbourne in 1913:

John William James Robert Joseph

Melbourne by decade

Melbourne peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1900s	21
1910s	228
1920s ★	328
1930s	178
1940s	141
1950s	77
1960s	17
1970s	10
1980s	7

💎With 1,012 total births, Melbourne is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Melbourne?

Common

MelMeUrne

What names sound and feel like Melbourne?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melbourne also consider these

Kilbourne

English · Old English

Melbourn

United Kingdom · Mouth of the

Melborn

English · English

Milburne

England · Old English

Osbourne

English · divine bear

Melburn

American · A variant of

Claborne

English · A meaningful name

Leverne

English · English

Common questions about the name Melbourne

What does the name Melbourne mean?

Melbourne means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Melbourne?

Melbourne originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Melbourne?

Melbourne is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L B AO0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Melbourne a common or rare name?

Melbourne is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.