Declining since 2019, #4,987 for girls today.
Popularity of Mela since 1905
Babies named Mela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 89 |
| 1930s | 48 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 64 |
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 17 |
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 122 |
| 2010s | 338 |
| 2020s | 190 |
Meaning & origin
Mela is a rare and modern-sounding name with ambiguous origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Pamela or Carmela, or a variant of the increasingly popular Mila. A Greek root meaning 'black' is another possibility. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1905 but remained uncommon for decades. It saw a modest resurgence in the 2010s, peaking in 2019 before declining. As of 2025, it ranks 4,987, with about 1 in 61,818 newborns receiving the name. Its highest usage was in Texas, reflecting a trend for short, melodious names. Given its rarity, Mela offers a distinctive choice that feels familiar yet uncommon.
Mela has multiple possible origins. It may have emerged as a shortened form of Pamela or Carmela, or as a variant of Mila. Alternatively, it could derive from the Greek word 'melas', meaning 'black, dark'. The name saw sporadic use in the United States from the early 1900s, with a notable increase in the 2010s, peaking in 2019. Its simple, vowel-ending sound aligns with modern naming trends.
Where Mela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mella
Sibling names for Mela
Names that share Mela's style, for a brother or sister.
