Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Melchor since 1917
Babies named Melchor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 69 |
| 1930s | 53 |
| 1940s | 53 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 91 |
| 1970s | 93 |
| 1980s | 123 |
| 1990s | 151 |
| 2000s | 98 |
| 2010s | 54 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Melchor, the Spanish form of Melchior, is a name with ancient roots in the story of the Magi. While it has never been highly popular in the U.S., it reached its peak in 1992, the highest usage year for which data is available. Since 1991, its usage has been falling, with no records in the top 1000. As of 2025, the name's rarity means the 1-in-N ratio is not available, indicating fewer than 5 births per year. Melchor has not consistently appeared in the data since 1917. The name remains a traditional choice in Spanish-speaking families, connecting to the religious narrative of the Epiphany.
Melchor is the Spanish form of Melchior, one of the traditional names given to the Magi or Wise Men who visited the infant Jesus. The name itself is of debated origin; it may derive from the Hebrew "melech" meaning 'king' or the Persian "melkior" meaning 'light king.' It has been used in Spanish-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, especially in honor of the Epiphany.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Melo, Mel
Variants: Melchior, Melkyor
Sibling names for Melchor
Names that share Melchor's style, for a brother or sister.
