Declining since 2005, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Melea since 1954
Babies named Melea per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Melea's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 73 |
| 1960s | 92 |
| 1970s | 153 |
| 1980s | 158 |
| 1990s | 165 |
| 2000s | 227 |
| 2010s | 153 |
| 2020s | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Melea first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1954, a period when many similar-sounding names like Melinda and Melanie were popular. It reached its peak rank of 7,491 in 1974, but its usage has been falling since 2005. In its best decade, the 1970s, it never gained wide traction, and it has not seen a revival. The rarity of Melea means it has never appeared in any state's top baby name lists. Its soft, feminine sound and modern feel make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name, though its origin remains unclear and likely a creative spelling of other names.
Melea is a relatively modern coinage in the United States, first recorded in the Social Security Administration data in 1954. It may have been inspired by the similar-sounding name Mila, or as a feminine elaboration of the surname Melvin. Its spelling and sound align with the popular -ea ending found in names like Rhea and Leia. The name has never entered widespread use, remaining consistently rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lea
Sibling names for Melea
Names that share Melea's style, for a brother or sister.
