Melinda
Meaning: Gentle lord or council friend
Origin: Old English/Scottish
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #138
Total births: 3,620
History: Melinda peaked in the 1980s in Australia. The name has an elegant, composed character. Melinda represents the generation of Australian women who were among the first to see equal representation in universities and professional careers.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1986) | #83 |
| Babies named Melinda in 1986 | 96 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 3,620 |
| Peak year | 1973 (286 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #33 |
| Years in records | 1962–1986 (23 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 19 spots |
Frequently asked about Melinda
What does the name Melinda mean?
Melinda means “Gentle lord or council friend” from Old English/Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Melinda?
Melinda has Old English/Scottish origin. The traditional meaning is “Gentle lord or council friend”.
How popular is Melinda in Australia?
Melinda ranked #83 in Australia in 1986 — given to 96 babies that year.
When was Melinda most popular?
Melinda peaked in 1973 with 286 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Melinda a boy or girl name?
Melinda is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Melindas in registered births are female.
Is the name Melinda rising or falling in popularity?
Melinda has fallen 19 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #64 in 1981 to #83 in 1986.
How long has Melinda been recorded in Australia?
Melinda appears in birth records in Australia across 23 years — from 1962 through 1986.