Melvin

“mighty army”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#822US 2023

298Births / yr

↑Rising

245.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 189500.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Melvin

MELV·in

/ˈmɛlv.ɪn/ · stress on MELV · 2 syllables

“mighty army”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Melvin mean and where does it come from?

Originally a male name derived from the Old French name 'Mauvelin', it has seen rare use as a female name. The first recorded use of Melvin dates back to the early 20th century as a feminine variation. The name is often thought to convey strength and leadership, but it remains relatively uncommon fo

Cultural significance

Melvin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mighty army.

Peak popularity

Reached #950 in 1928 — currently #822 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Melvin?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Melvin?

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

Melvin Grace

How popular is Melvin right now?

Rising — up 6 spots — currently #822 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#822 · Top 0.61%

1935

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2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#822	298	▲ up 6 · -1% births
2022	#828	300	▼ down 25 · -2% births
2021	#803	305	▲ up 8454 · +3713% births
1990	#9257	8	▼ down 3217 · -27% births
1985	#6040	11	▼ down 1881 · -39% births
1980	#4159	18	▲ up 223 · +29% births
1975	#4382	14	▼ down 1799 · -50% births
1970	#2583	28	▼ down 35 · +22% births
1965	#2548	23	▼ down 391 · -21% births
1960	#2157	29	▼ down 311 · -12% births
1955	#1846	33	▼ down 317 · -11% births
1950	#1529	37	▲ up 137 · +48% births
1945	#1666	25	▼ down 440 · -31% births
1940	#1226	36	▲ up 391 · +64% births
1935	#1617	22	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melvin

Best Year2021Rank #803

Peak Count305

Average Rank#2395

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202321 years

The story of Melvin

Melvin has been a beloved American name for over 129 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1895. More than 245,531 babies have been named Melvin since 1895. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1626 in 1895 to #822 in 2023. Melvin is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Melvin in 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Melvin by decade

Melvin peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	960
1890s	1,335
1900s	2,873
1910s	21,943
1920s ★	41,010
1930s	38,025
1940s	39,536
1950s	36,453
1960s	23,323
1970s	13,307
1980s	9,541
1990s	6,989
2000s	6,247
2010s	3,670
2020s	319

What are good nicknames for Melvin?

ENGLISH

Mel

ENGLISH

Melva

What names sound and feel like Melvin?

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

Meldin

American · Possibly derived from

Melwin

English · A meaningful name

Mervin

United Kingdom · sea hill

Melvis

American · Combination of 'Mel'

Telvin

American · a modern name,

Milvin

American · gracious protector

Jervin

American · Spear or brave

Kelvin

Scottish · from the river,

How is Melvin written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Melvin

What does the name Melvin mean?

Melvin means "mighty army" — a name rooted in American 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 Melvin?

Melvin is currently ranked #822 as a baby 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 Melvin?

Melvin originates from American tradition. American 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 Melvin?

Melvin is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L V IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Melvin a common or rare name?

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