Melvin is a name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years. It is derived from the Old French word "Melien," which itself comes from the Germanic name "Malchibert." This name is composed of two elements: "malchi" meaning "council" and "bert" meaning "bright, famous."
The name Melvin has a rich history, tracing back to the Middle Ages. It was first used as a given name in England during this period, but it was also used as a surname. Some notable figures with the name Melvin include American jazz musician Melvin "Sy" Oliver and Canadian ice hockey player Melvin "Magic" Allen.
Melvin is not particularly associated with any specific feast days or saints, and its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time. However, it remains a distinctive and memorable name that carries a touch of history and uniqueness.
The name Melvin saw a steady increase in popularity from the late 19th century to its peak in the early 20th century, with over 3,000 births per year between 1912 and 1923. However, it began to decline thereafter, with fewer than 400 births per year since 1978. In recent years, it has remained relatively stable, with around 300 births per year from 2016 to 2023. Overall, the name Melvin was given to a total of 244,388 babies over the course of these statistics (1880-2023).