Declining since 1985, #958 for boys today.
Popularity of Melvin since 1880
Babies named Melvin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 960 |
| 1890s | 1,325 |
| 1900s | 2,840 |
| 1910s | 21,739 |
| 1920s | 40,583 |
| 1930s | 37,705 |
| 1940s | 39,236 |
| 1950s | 36,165 |
| 1960s | 23,093 |
| 1970s | 13,126 |
| 1980s | 9,431 |
| 1990s | 6,983 |
| 2000s | 6,296 |
| 2010s | 3,705 |
| 2020s | 1,749 |
Meaning & origin
Melvin is a name of Irish and Scottish origin that saw its peak popularity in the United States in 1928, when it ranked among the top names for boys. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 958th, with about 1 in 7,029 newborn boys receiving the name. The name was most common in states like Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Kansas during its heyday. While its exact meaning is debated, it is often traced back to the Gaelic Maoil Mhin, suggesting a 'smooth chief' or 'polished leader.' Despite its waning popularity, Melvin retains a classic, sturdy feel and offers nickname options like Mel or Vinny.
Melvin likely derives from the Irish Gaelic name Maoil Mhin, meaning 'smooth chief' or 'polished leader'. It has also been associated with Scottish surnames. The name gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in the 1920s.
Where Melvin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Melvin” around the world
Where Melvin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Vinny
Variants: Melvyn, Melwin
Sibling names for Melvin
Names that share Melvin's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Marvin, Irvin, Calvin, Darlene, Alvina, Ardith, Charleen, Charlyn, Delois, Deloise, Earline, Lavonne, Marilee, Marilynn, Marva, Melva, Melvina, Merrill, Shirlee, Verlene, Arlinda, Charlesetta, Jeralyn, Lovina, Maralyn, Margene, Marline, Marshell, Melda, Merilyn, Shelba, Valinda, Ardean, Arleta, Arnetha, Berlinda, Charmin, Deatrice, Dorenda, Earnesteen, Harolyn, Janece, Jewelene, Jonita, Lajune, Lutricia, Marillyn, Marlyce, Marlyne, Marvene, Marvine, Melvia, Merlinda, Merrilyn, Montine, Nelta, Rayetta, Rogene, Rolinda, Shelvia, Sheralyn, Shirlyn, Vanetta, Velinda, Verlee, Verline, Walterine, Zondra, Ardythe, Arlethia, Avanell, Bevelyn, Beverlyn, Chriselda, Darolyn, Delbra, Earlyne, Faylene, Jannice, Jearline, Jeweline, Junell, Ladoris, Lamona, Lestine, Lindalee, Louvina, Mardee, Marinell, Marlise, Marliss, Marvette, Marvie, Marvina, Melessia, Melondy, Melvena, Melvenia, Melvie, Melvine, Nelwyn, Norva, Rejeana, Sandria, Sherilynn, Sherran, Valory, Yolander, Avonne, Berlene, Janace, Luwanna, Shirline, Arleatha, Arlina, Arnice, Artina, Cleaster, Deloyce, Durenda, Earnstine, Ermalee, Evona, Leslyn, Mardene, Marilyne, Marvalene, Marvelyn, Marvena, Marvia, Melonee, Melvinia, Norvella, Sharlynn, Shelbia, Shirlena, Symphanie, Verlinda, Wanell
Brothers: Calvin, Marvin, Irvin, Elvin, Kevin, Delbert, Warren, Cornell, Delvin, Delwin, Lavon, Marland, Mervin, Milford, Reynold, Arvel, Burrell, Darvin, Delroy, Delton, Derwin, Jerrel, Lavelle, Lindell, Lyndell, Lynwood, Malvin, Marvis, Melvyn, Mozell, Norwood, Selvin, Verlon, Verlyn, Alven, Beecher, Belvin, Curvin, Derrel, Durwin, Earvin, Malvern, Marrion, Marven, Nelvin, Norvin, Shadrick, Sherard, Terril, Clevon, Deland, Derrill, Kenwood, Lavoy, Lindel, Lyndel, Mandell, Marvyn, Meldon, Melvern, Murvin, Orlen, Veldon, Wendal, Alvon, Berle, Cleaven, Dareld, Delmo, Derrall, Derward, Jerol, Lenville, Levaughn, Lyndle, Marv, Marvon, Melroy, Narvel, Neldon, Velton, Wilman
Names like Melvin
Names whose popularity has moved with Melvin's over the last 50 years.
