Declining since 1990, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Mele since 1955
Babies named Mele per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 65 |
| 1980s | 172 |
| 1990s | 217 |
| 2000s | 195 |
| 2010s | 167 |
| 2020s | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Mele occupies a distinctive niche in American naming. First recorded in 1955, the name saw its peak popularity in 1991, though it has never broken into the mainstream. By 2025 it ranked 7,885, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 123,636 births. The name has been on a gradual decline since the 1990s, yet it remains a culturally resonant choice within Hawaiian communities. Its top state is California, reflecting a concentration of families with Hawaiian heritage. The dual meaning 'song' and the Hawaiian equivalent of Mary gives it both lyrical and traditional depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with island roots and gentle sound.
Mele is a Hawaiian name with dual possible origins. It is often considered a Hawaiian form of Mary, ultimately from Hebrew Maryam, meaning 'beloved' or 'wished-for child'. Alternatively, Mele is the Hawaiian word for 'song', giving it a native poetic meaning. The name has been used in Hawaii since the mid-20th century and reflects Hawaiian cultural heritage.
Where Mele is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mele” around the world
Where Mele lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Mele
Names that share Mele's style, for a brother or sister.
