Melinda

“honey, sweet”

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#648US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

135.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 15 years in top 1000.28% of births at peak

How to pronounce Melinda

mul·IND·uh

/məl.ˈɪnd.ə/ · stress on IND · 3 syllables

“honey, sweet”

Greek origin · Unisex name

What does Melinda mean and where does it come from?

Melinda is a name of somewhat unknown origins, but it is believed to derive from the Greek كلمة 'mel' meaning 'honey'. It gained prominence in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. Notable people include Melinda Gates, philanthropist and former general manager at Microsoft, indicating stro

Cultural significance

Melinda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honey, sweet.

Peak popularity

Reached #72 in 1973 — currently #648 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Melinda?

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

Melinda Grace

How popular is Melinda right now?

Holding steady — currently #648 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#648 · Top 0.48%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#648	1,552	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#653	1,532	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#658	1,502	▲ up 1180 · +1330% births
2020	#1838	105	▼ down 468 · -39% births
2015	#1370	172	▼ down 275 · -24% births
2010	#1095	227	▲ up 4 · +5% births
2005	#1099	216	▼ down 404 · -36% births
2000	#695	337	▼ down 286 · -47% births
1995	#409	633	▼ down 201 · -54% births
1990	#208	1,381	▼ down 71 · -35% births
1985	#137	2,114	▼ down 45 · -34% births
1980	#92	3,202	▼ down 1 · -2% births
1975	#91	3,282	▲ up 2 · -22% births
1970	#93	4,225	▲ up 7 · +11% births
1965	#100	3,799	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melinda

Best Year1975Rank #91

Peak Count4,225

Average Rank#779

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Melinda

Melinda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #72 in 1973. More than 135,685 babies have been named Melinda since 1880. Melinda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Melinda in 1973:

Jennifer Amy Michelle Kimberly Lisa

Melinda by decade

Melinda peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	129
1890s	157
1900s	137
1910s	200
1920s	202
1930s	567
1940s	5,424
1950s	21,528
1960s	36,382
1970s ★	36,576
1980s	22,303
1990s	7,932
2000s	2,487
2010s	1,556
2020s	105

What are good nicknames for Melinda?

ENGLISH

Mindy

ANCIENT GREEK

Meliton

ENGLISH

Melina

FRENCH

MélinaMéline

Famous people named Melinda

Melinda (ancient philosopher)

Melinda bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Melinda (modern Greek athlete)

Melinda brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Melinda (Greek mythological figure)

Melinda carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Melinda (Byzantine leader)

Melinda used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Melinda?

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

Melina

Greek · honey

Mellinda

English · A beloved name

Melenda

Latin · to shine

Merinda

English · Sea of bitterness

How is Melinda written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Melinda

What does the name Melinda mean?

Melinda means "honey, sweet" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Melinda?

Melinda is currently ranked #648 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Melinda?

Melinda originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Melinda?

Melinda is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 L IH1 N D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Melinda?

Melinda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.