Melba

Melba: name meaning, origin and popularity

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɛlbə/

Meaning and origin of Melba

  • A female given name from English.

Etymology

Coined by Nellie Melba as a pseudonym; derived from Melbourne.

How popular is Melba?

7U.S. babies in 2025
#202peak rank (1924)
34,925babies since 1880

Since 1880, 34,873 girls and 52 boys in the U.S. have been named Melba (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #202 in 1924. Its highest rank for boys was #3014 in 1931. In 2025, 7 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

188019201960200020251,003 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Melba

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More English girl names

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Sibling name ideas for Melba

Sister and brother names that share Melba's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Melba FAQ

What does the name Melba mean?

A female given name from English. Coined by Nellie Melba as a pseudonym; derived from Melbourne.

What is the origin of the name Melba?

Melba is listed as a name of English origin.

How popular is the name Melba?

Since 1880, 34,873 girls and 52 boys in the U.S. have been named Melba (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #202 in 1924. Its highest rank for boys was #3014 in 1931. In 2025, 7 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Melba a boy or girl name?

Melba is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 34,873 girls and 52 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.