Rising since 1999, #79 for girls today.
Popularity of Melody since 1914
Babies named Melody per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 42 |
| 1930s | 169 |
| 1940s | 3,757 |
| 1950s | 15,526 |
| 1960s | 18,469 |
| 1970s | 12,302 |
| 1980s | 10,375 |
| 1990s | 7,527 |
| 2000s | 10,848 |
| 2010s | 19,879 |
| 2020s | 16,013 |
Meaning & origin
Melody entered U.S. naming records in 1914 and has enjoyed fluctuating popularity over the decades. As of 2025, it holds the rank of 79, with approximately 1 in every 519 newborns receiving the name. Its recent trajectory has been strongly rising since 1999, reaching its peak in 2025. The name is most popular in Hawaii, South Dakota, and Rhode Island. Melody belongs to the 2020s revival of musical and lyrical names, blending a classic sound with a modern sensibility. Its meaning is transparent and positive, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Melody is derived from the Greek word 'melōidia' (μελῳδία), meaning 'singing' or 'chanting', which passed into Latin as 'melodia', then into Old French as 'melodie', and finally into Middle English. It has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, likely influenced by the Victorian fashion for virtue and music-related names.
Where Melody 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.
“Melody” around the world
Where Melody lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
New Zealand
19
babies in 2025
Quebec
36
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Mellie, Lody
Variants: Melodie, Mélodie
Sibling names for Melody
Names that share Melody's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Harmony, Aria, Lyric, Serena, Clara, Cadence, Fantasia, Harmoni, Kadence, Harmonee, Harmonie, Kaidence, Lyrik, Rhythm, Symphony, Armonie, Harmonii, Jazzmen, Lyrica, Lyriq, Meloni, Charmine, Jazzlin, Jazzman, Jazzmyne, Jenesys, Kulture, Lyrical, Melondy, Naraly, Nashaly, Poetry, Symphany, Symphoni, Cadince, Caedence, Candence, Harmoney, Jazzmon, Krystol, Lyrique, Malonie, Melonee, Rhapsody, Symphani, Symphanie, Symphonie
Brothers: Jasper, Theo, Felix, Miles, Julian, Jazz, Coda, Anthem, Chanson, Lyrick, Johathon, Musiq, Rocker
Names like Melody
Names whose popularity has moved with Melody's over the last 50 years.
