Mel Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mel has origins in Latin, meaning 'honey'. It evolved from names like Melvin and Melanie, showcasing traits of warmth and friendliness. The name does not have biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is commonly perceived positively in modern contexts.
The name Mel is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Mel has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Mel' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2098th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 986th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 808th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1475th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3791st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5929th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8947th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6442nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5907th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4139th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15863rd out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11390th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9528th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Mel' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mel"
Pronunciation
/mɛl/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Mel is derived from the Latin word 'mel', meaning 'honey'. It is often used as a diminutive or short form of names such as Melvin or Melanie.
Meaning
honey
Language Evolution
Melvin, Melanie, Melinda
Historical Usage
The name Mel gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a short and friendly name.
Variants & Derivatives
Melvin, Melanie, Melinda, Melly
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Mel is perceived as a casual and approachable name, often associated with warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Mel Gibson, Mel Brooks, Melanie Griffith
Explore More Mel Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mel"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Mel"
"Mel" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2098th of 7545 | 237 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 986th of 6773 | 786 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 808th of 7552 | 1,593 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1475th of 10718 | 554 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3791st of 16616 | 218 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5929th of 24088 | 203 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8947th of 23106 | 92 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6442nd of 9107 | 23 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5907th of 9204 | 33 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4139th of 12526 | 168 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 15863rd of 19264 | 11 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11390th of 35406 | 129 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9528th of 30306 | 128 |
Regional Popularity of "Mel" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
81.94% 1130th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
45.34% 701st/1546 |
36.95% 575th/1556 |
- |
36.01% 557th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
32.11% 715th/2227 |
32.80% 797th/2430 |
43.18% 1232nd/2853 |
22.13% 614th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
47.16% 1385th/2937 |
52.74% 1837th/3483 |
47.84% 1683rd/3518 |
28.34% 1146th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
- |
58.75% 3711th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Mel" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
69.90% 5217th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
94.50% 6447th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mel"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mel" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.