Melchor

“king of light”

Spanish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11799US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

873All-time births

📅 Since 191700

How to pronounce Melchor

MELCH·er

/ˈmɛltʃ.ɝ/ · stress on MELCH · 2 syllables

“king of light”

Spanish origin · Boy name

What does Melchor mean and where does it come from?

Melchor is a traditional name with roots in Hebrew מַלְכִּיּוֹר (Malkior), meaning 'king of light.' It is notably recognized as one of the Three Wise Men or Magi who visited Jesus after his birth according to Christian tradition. The name is popular in Spanish-speaking countries and the Philippines,

Cultural significance

Melchor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of king of light.

Peak popularity

Reached #2413 in 1950 — currently #11799 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Melchor?

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

Melchor Grace

How popular is Melchor right now?

Falling — down 138 spots — currently #11799 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2022#11799 · Top 8.7%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#11799	6	▼ down 138
2021	#11661	6	▲ up 412 · +20% births
2020	#12073	5	▲ up 166
2015	#12239	5	▼ down 2431 · -29% births
2010	#9808	7	▼ down 575
2005	#9233	7	▼ down 3240 · -36% births
2000	#5993	11	▼ down 2870 · -50% births
1995	#3123	22	▲ up 235 · +22% births
1990	#3358	18	▲ up 1954 · +157% births
1985	#5312	7	▼ down 2159 · -50% births
1980	#3153	14	▲ up 1312 · +100% births
1975	#4465	7	▼ down 792 · -12% births
1970	#3673	8	▼ down 1111 · -27% births
1965	#2562	11	▲ up 448 · +22% births
1960	#3010	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melchor

Best Year1950Rank #2413

Peak Count22

Average Rank#5664

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202222 years

The story of Melchor

Melchor entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 873 total births recorded, Melchor remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3771 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11799 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Melchor in 1950:

James Robert John Michael David

Melchor by decade

Melchor peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	69
1930s	53
1940s	53
1950s	79
1960s	90
1970s	93
1980s	123
1990s ★	151
2000s	98
2010s	54
2020s	5

💎Melchor has only 873 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Melchor?

Common

MelMeElchor

Famous people named Melchor

Melchor (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Melchor bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

Melchor (Latin American historical figure)

Melchor used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

Melchor (Flamenco artist)

Melchor carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.

Melchor (Latin American historical figure)

Melchor used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Melchor?

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

Melchior

Germanic · King of Light

Melborn

English · English

Mellow

American · calm, gentle, and

American · great or chief

Conchor

Latin · A Latin name

Medardo

Spanish · strong and brave

How is Melchor written in other languages?

JUDEO-CHRISTIAN LEGEND

Melker

SWEDISH

Common questions about the name Melchor

What does the name Melchor mean?

Melchor means "king of light" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Melchor?

Melchor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Melchor?

Melchor originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Melchor?

Melchor is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L CH ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Melchor a common or rare name?

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