A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Mel since 1902
Babies named Mel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1958, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mel's real moment was 1942.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 0 | 17 |
| 1910s | 12 | 94 |
| 1920s | 11 | 151 |
| 1930s | 22 | 355 |
| 1940s | 24 | 731 |
| 1950s | 92 | 843 |
| 1960s | 69 | 686 |
| 1970s | 5 | 266 |
| 1980s | 0 | 143 |
| 1990s | 0 | 141 |
| 2000s | 118 | 137 |
| 2010s | 65 | 74 |
| 2020s | 90 | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Mel is a short, versatile name that has been in use as an independent given name since the early 1900s. First recorded in 1902, it saw its greatest popularity in the 1940s, peaking at rank 194 in 1942. After a long decline, it has been rising again since 2014, currently ranking 7,194th in 2025. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and gender-neutral quality, though it has historically been more common for boys, often as a diminutive of Melvin, while girls may use it as a nickname for Melanie or Melissa. With no top states recorded, its usage is relatively even across the U.S., and its revival in recent years suggests a renewed interest in retro short names.
Mel originated as a diminutive of various names like Melvin (Old English or Irish origin) and Melanie (Greek). As an independent name, it gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. Its usage peaked in the 1940s, coinciding with the fame of actor Mel (actually Melvin) the Great.
“Mel” around the world
Where Mel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Mel
Names that share Mel's style, for a brother or sister.
