Everything about the name MELBA

Meaning, origin, history

Melba is a unique and elegant female given name that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origins can be traced back to Australia, where it was first used as a nickname for the city of Melbourne. The name Melbourne itself is derived from the British statesman William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.

The name Melba is also associated with the famous Australian opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba. Born Helen Porter Mitchell in 1861, she adopted the stage name of Melba as a tribute to her home city. Her fame and success helped popularize the name Melba, making it more widely known and used.

The meaning behind the name Melba is not universally agreed upon. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Latin word "mel", which means honey. Others propose that it could be associated with the Italian word "mela", meaning apple. However, without a clear etymological origin, its precise meaning remains unclear.

Despite its uncertain meaning, Melba is a charming and distinctive name that continues to captivate parents looking for unique options for their daughters. Its association with Dame Nellie Melba adds an additional layer of cultural significance to the name, making it all the more appealing to those who appreciate history and artistry.

Popularity of the name MELBA since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

Based on the statistics provided, the name Melba was not extremely popular in the United States during the period from 1921 to 1941. The highest number of babies named Melba in any given year within this time frame was 9, which occurred in 1921. After that peak, the number of births with the name Melba decreased, reaching a low of 5 in both 1924 and 1933.

However, there were slight fluctuations throughout these years. For instance, between 1927 and 1931, the number of babies named Melba increased from 6 to 8. Then, between 1936 and 1941, it remained relatively stable at 7 births per year.

In total, there were 52 babies named Melba in the United States during this period. While this is not a large number compared to many other names, it's important to remember that each of these babies had their own unique story and identity associated with the name Melba.