What does Mele mean and where does it come from?
Mele is a name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'song.' It reflects the importance of music and the arts in Hawaiian culture. The name is also used in New Zealand, derived from Maori language where it connotes the action 'to sing.' Mele is often associated with joyful expressions and celebrations. The na
Cultural significance
Mele has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of song.
Peak popularity
Reached #3332 in 1991 — currently #8791 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mele?
Mele works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mele Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mele Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mele Claire
French influence · crisp
Mele Jane
Literary · strong
Mele Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mele right now?
Falling — down 2654 spots — currently #8791 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8791 | 12 | ▼ down 2654 · -40% births |
| 2022 | #6137 | 20 | ▲ up 743 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #6880 | 17 | ▲ up 355 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #7235 | 15 | ▼ down 2074 · -42% births |
| 2015 | #5161 | 26 | ▲ up 2125 · +53% births |
| 2010 | #7286 | 17 | ▼ down 1807 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #5479 | 23 | ▲ up 1092 · +44% births |
| 2000 | #6571 | 16 | ▼ down 1279 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #5292 | 18 | ▼ down 1440 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #3852 | 27 | ▼ down 168 · +17% births |
| 1985 | #3684 | 23 | ▲ up 1184 · +53% births |
| 1980 | #4868 | 15 | ▲ up 469 · +36% births |
| 1975 | #5337 | 11 | ▲ up 1812 · +120% births |
| 1965 | #7149 | 5 | ▼ down 484 |
| 1955 | #6665 | 5 | — |
The story of Mele
Mele entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. With 854 total births recorded, Mele remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6665 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8791 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mele in 1991:
Mele by decade
Mele peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 18 | |
| 1970s | 65 | |
| 1980s | 172 | |
| 1990s ★ | 217 | |
| 2000s | 195 | |
| 2010s | 167 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Mele has only 854 total recorded births since 1955 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mele?
CROATIAN
MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca
CZECH
MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša
What names sound and feel like Mele?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mele also consider these
How is Mele written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Mele
What does the name Mele mean?
Mele means "song" — a name rooted in Hawaii 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 Mele?
Mele 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 Mele?
Mele originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii 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 Mele?
Mele is a one-syllable name pronounced M IY1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Mele sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mele flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mele ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.