A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Melodie since 1933
Babies named Melodie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 540 |
| 1950s | 2,352 |
| 1960s | 2,226 |
| 1970s | 1,396 |
| 1980s | 1,009 |
| 1990s | 704 |
| 2000s | 750 |
| 2010s | 990 |
| 2020s | 520 |
Meaning & origin
Melodie is a musical name that saw its peak popularity in the United States in 1956, reflecting mid-century trends for lyrical and feminine names. After a period of decline, it has been rising in usage since 1998, reclaiming its place among melodic choices for girls. The name was first recorded in U.S. data in 1933, but did not gain widespread use until the 1950s. In 2025, it ranked 2017th, with approximately 1 in 17,099 newborn girls receiving the name. Melodie's top states, North Carolina, Ohio, and New York, show a broad geographic appeal. The variant spelling 'Melody' remains more common, but Melodie offers a slightly more distinctive French-influenced form. For parents seeking a name that evokes harmony and beauty without overuse, Melodie is a balanced option.
Melodie derives from the Greek word 'melōidia', meaning 'singing' or 'chanting', composed of 'melos' (song) and 'aeidein' (to sing). It entered English as a given name in the 19th century, following the musical term, and gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
Where Melodie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Melodie” around the world
Where Melodie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
90
babies in 2024
Quebec
#76
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Mellie, Lodie
Sibling names for Melodie
Names that share Melodie's style, for a brother or sister.
