What does Melda mean and where does it come from?
Melda is a feminine name that appears in both German and Turkish cultures. In Germany, it is sometimes derived from 'Melanie', associated with strength. In Turkish, it can denote reliability and availability. The name has been used colloquially and may vary slightly in spelling or usage across the r
Cultural significance
Melda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of powerful.
Peak popularity
Reached #1040 in 1900 — currently #864 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Melda?
Melda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Melda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Melda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melda Claire
French influence · crisp
Melda Jane
Literary · strong
Melda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Melda right now?
Holding steady — currently #864 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #864 | 1,336 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #869 | 1,316 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #874 | 1,286 | ▲ up 7181 · +21333% births |
| 1975 | #8055 | 6 | ▼ down 1629 · -14% births |
| 1970 | #6426 | 7 | ▼ down 2178 · -30% births |
| 1965 | #4248 | 10 | ▼ down 1017 · -33% births |
| 1960 | #3231 | 15 | ▼ down 363 · -6% births |
| 1955 | #2868 | 16 | ▼ down 672 · -20% births |
| 1950 | #2196 | 20 | ▼ down 113 · +18% births |
| 1945 | #2083 | 17 | ▼ down 34 · +6% births |
| 1940 | #2049 | 16 | ▼ down 528 · -33% births |
| 1935 | #1521 | 24 | ▲ up 28 · -8% births |
| 1930 | #1549 | 26 | ▼ down 380 · -41% births |
| 1925 | #1169 | 44 | ▲ up 47 · +10% births |
| 1920 | #1216 | 40 | — |
The story of Melda
Melda has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. With 1,487 total births recorded, Melda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1512 in 1895 to #864 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Melda in 1900:
Melda by decade
Melda peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 34 | |
| 1900s | 102 | |
| 1910s | 249 | |
| 1920s ★ | 349 | |
| 1930s | 238 | |
| 1940s | 201 | |
| 1950s | 188 | |
| 1960s | 94 | |
| 1970s | 27 | |
💎With 1,487 total births, Melda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Melda?
Famous people named Melda
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Melda (Germanic saint)
Melda spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Melda (Norse explorer)
Melda carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Melda (medieval German ruler)
Melda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Melda (Norse explorer)
Melda carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Melda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melda also consider these
Common questions about the name Melda
What does the name Melda mean?
Melda means "Powerful" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Melda?
Melda is currently ranked #864 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Melda?
Melda originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Melda?
Melda is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L D AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Melda a common or rare name?
Melda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.