Melvin
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Gentle lord or council friend
Origin: Old English/Scottish
Popularity: Ranked #959 in 2025 with 243 babies born.
History: Melvin may derive from the Scottish place name Melvin or from the Old English 'maelwine,' combining 'mael' (council) and 'wine' (friend). It may also be related to the Irish name Maolmhin, meaning gentle chief. Melvin became a popular given name in the United States in the early 20th century. It has a warm, friendly quality, though its popularity has waned since the mid-20th century.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Melvin? About 1 in 13,698 babies born in 2025 were named Melvin, or roughly 0.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Melvin
What does the name Melvin mean?
Melvin means “Gentle lord or council friend” from Old English/Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Melvin?
Melvin has Old English/Scottish origin. The traditional meaning is “Gentle lord or council friend”.
How popular is Melvin?
Melvin ranked #958 in 2025 — given to 243 babies that year.
When was Melvin most popular?
Melvin peaked in 1928 with 4,249 babies registered that year.
Is Melvin a boy or girl name?
Melvin is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Melvins in registered births are male.
Is the name Melvin rising or falling in popularity?
Melvin has fallen 206 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #752 in 2020 to #958 in 2025.
How long has Melvin been recorded?
Melvin appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.