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Mel

Quick answerThe name 'Mel' is typically a short form of names like Melvin (meaning "council protector" from Old English *mæþel* + *wine*) or Melissa (meaning "honeybee" from Greek *melissa*), and can also derive from the Gaelic *Maol* meaning "bald" or "tonsured." It is used primarily in English-speaking cultures, often as a…

English · Boy · 1 syllable

M
Rare

Popularity & facts

Relative popularity index, 2010–2025
GenderBoy
US Rank#7,508
TrendStable
Peak year1958
Syllables1
OriginEnglish
LanguageEnglish
CultureEnglish
ReligionChristianity
Letters3
Numerology3 Chaldean 3
Global rank#343

Popularity over time

Popularity index
Hover the line to see any year. 100 = most popular.

Historical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data

About the name Mel

The name 'Mel' is typically a short form of names like Melvin (meaning "council protector" from Old English *mæþel* + *wine*) or Melissa (meaning "honeybee" from Greek *melissa*), and can also derive from the Gaelic *Maol* meaning "bald" or "tonsured." It is used primarily in English-speaking cultures, often as a secular given name or nickname, with historical usage in Christian contexts via saints like Saint Mel (an Irish bishop from the 5th century).

Cross-referenced with Behind the Name. AI-assisted, community-reviewable. Suggest an improvement.

Etymology

The name 'Mel' is typically a short form of names like Melvin (meaning "council protector" from Old English *mæþel* + *wine*) or Melissa (meaning "honeybee" from Greek *melissa*), and can also derive from the Gaelic *Maol* meaning "bald" or "tonsured." It is used primarily in English-speaking cultures, often as a secular given name or nickname, with historical usage in Christian contexts via saints like Saint Mel (an Irish bishop from the 5th century).

Mel currently ranks #7,508 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1958.

Variants & nicknames

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