Melville is a notable given name, deriving from the Old French 'Melvil', which is a compound of two elements: 'mel' meaning honey or honey-sweet, and 'ville' signifying town or settlement. This name was brought to England by the Normans after the 11th-century conquest, where it eventually evolved into its current form.
Historically, Melville has been used as both a first name and a surname. Some notable figures with the surname Melville include Sir James Melville (1535-1617), a Scottish diplomat and courtier who served in the service of Mary, Queen of Scots and King James VI; and Herman Melville (1819-1891), an American writer best known for his novel "Moby-Dick".
As a first name, Melville gained popularity in the late 19th century but has since become less common. However, it remains an enduring choice among parents seeking unique, historic names for their children. In terms of popularity, Melville ranked #2843 in the United States during the year 2000 but has since fallen out of the top thousand names.
In literature and popular culture, Melville is associated with the aforementioned Herman Melville's works, particularly "Moby-Dick". This novel is considered one of the Great American Novels and has had a significant impact on American literature. The name Melville also appears in various works of fiction, such as in the television series "Breaking Bad", where it belongs to one of the main characters.
In terms of its meaning and implications, Melville connotes sweetness or honeyed charm, possibly reflecting the personality of those bearing this name. It also carries historical significance, given its usage by prominent figures throughout history. Despite its declining popularity as a first name, Melville remains an appealing choice for parents who appreciate unique, historic names with pleasant associations.
"In two consecutive years, from 1920 to 1921, there were seven births each year for the name Melville."