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 #1985 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Melinda?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Melinda Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Melinda Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Melinda Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Melinda Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Melinda Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Melinda right now?
Rising fast — up 128 spots — currently #1985 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1985 | 97 | ▲ up 128 · +7% births |
| 2024 | #2113 | 91 | ▼ down 1465 · -94% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 293 | |
What are good nicknames for Melinda?
Famous people named Melinda
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Melinda (ancient philosopher)
Melinda bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
M(
Melinda (modern Greek athlete)
Melinda brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
M(
Melinda (Greek mythological figure)
Melinda carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
M(
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
Explore →What names sound and feel like Melinda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melinda also consider these
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 mul-IND-uh. 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.