Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Melvin
BoyScottish, English
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, English
- Pronunciation
- MEHL-vihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #959
- US babies 2025
- 243
- Best rank
- #47 (1926)
- Peak year
- 1928
Meaning and origin of Melvin
Melvin is usually linked to Scottish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Melvin is of uncertain origin. It may come from the Scottish surname Melville, which was taken from a place name in Normandy, Malleville, meaning "bad town" or "poor settlement." Other suggested sources include Gaelic and Old English personal names, but none is certain. Melvin came into use as a first name in the nineteenth century and was especially common in the United States in the early to mid-twentieth century. It has a friendly, retro sound and the easygoing nicknames Mel and Vin. Melville and Malvin are related forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Melvyn.
Popularity over time
Melvin has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #47 in 1926, and the most babies received it in 1928, when 4,249 were named Melvin. In 2025, 243 babies were named Melvin, and it ranked #959 nationally. That is 33% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #54 in 1920, #87 in 1950, #218 in 1980, #455 in 2000, #556 in 2010, and #959 in 2025. Of the 244,936 US boys named Melvin since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 39,236 babies. Since 2010, 5,454 more have been named Melvin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Marvin, Norman, Alvin, Alfred, and Rudolph.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Melvin ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #367 | 30 |
| Kentucky | #509 | 9 |
| Maryland | #549 | 9 |
| Kansas | #570 | 6 |
| Tennessee | #625 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Melvin is usually pronounced MEHL-vihn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-in”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Melvyn.
Middle names for Melvin
A few middle names that flow with Melvin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Melvin
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Lists that include Melvin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melvin mean?
Melvin is usually linked to Scottish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Melvin?
Melvin has Scottish and English roots. Melvin is of uncertain origin.
Is Melvin a popular name?
Yes. Melvin ranked #959 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Melvin a boy or girl name?
Melvin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Melvin?
Melvin is usually pronounced MEHL-vihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings