Mell is a unique and distinctive name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the old Welsh word "mel" which means "chief" or "prince". The name Mell was traditionally used as a title for rulers in ancient Wales, and it is believed to have been borne by several historical figures, including Melwas, a legendary king of Gwynedd.
The name Mell has a rich history and cultural significance in Wales. It is often associated with the Welsh legend of King Arthur and his knights. In some versions of the legend, Melwas is said to be the king who abducted Queen Guinevere and held her captive on the Isle of Avalon. This story has contributed to the perception of Mell as a powerful and mysterious name.
Today, Mell is still used as a given name in Wales and among Welsh speakers around the world. While it may not be as common as some other names, it remains a popular choice for parents who wish to give their child a strong and unique identity. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Welsh culture and language, which has helped to fuel a renewed appreciation for traditional Welsh names like Mell.
In summary, Mell is a name of ancient Welsh origin that means "chief" or "prince". It has a rich history and cultural significance in Wales and is associated with powerful figures from Welsh legend. Today, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking to give their child a meaningful name with deep roots in Welsh tradition.
The name Mell has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage was quite low, with fewer than ten births recorded each year between 1881 and 1934.
However, there were some fluctuations during this period. For instance, the name saw a brief spike in popularity between 1915 and 1919, with as many as twelve babies named Mell born in 1918. It also experienced a small resurgence in the mid-20th century, with seven births recorded in 1955.
More recently, the name has seen some renewed interest. There were ten babies named Mell born in the United States in 2003, and there have been several births each year since then, totalling to 7 births between 2002 and 2004.
Overall, while the name Mell may not have reached the heights of popularity enjoyed by many other names, it has nonetheless maintained a steady, if somewhat modest, presence in the United States over time. With a total of 202 births recorded since 1881, the name Mell has been chosen for at least some families each generation.