Melvin

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Chief; Leader

Background: The name Melvin originates from the English surname derived from the Gaelic 'Maolmhuire,' meaning 'chief' or 'leader.' The name further connects to the Old High German 'maldwulf,' which refers to strength and courage.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#157
Total births
246,815
Most popular decade
1920s (123,033 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-207 ranks)
Years in Top 100
55
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

99.1% male 0.9% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
103
First year rank
#126
Peak year
1928
Peak year births
4,249
Peak rank
#48
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
275
Recent rank
#871

Female

First year
1895
First year births
5
First year rank
#1,592
Peak year
1928
Peak year births
62
Peak rank
#947
Most recent year
1991
Recent year births
5
Recent rank
#13,147

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links